Harold "Dick" Richard Erwin

Harold Richard “Dick” Erwin, age 81, of Unicoi, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, July 07, 2024, while he was surrounded by his family. He was born in Erwin to the late Charles Roy Erwin and Lula Bryant Erwin.

Dick attended Martin Chapel Grade School, Erwin Blue Devils High School and Community College of the Air Force.

He entered the United States Air Force in May 1961 and honorably served his country for twenty-five years. At retirement, he was First Sergeant, Air Force Orientation Group, Dayton, Ohio (AFOG). During his Air Force career, Sergeant Erwin received the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Silver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Sergeant Erwin’s duty took him to Texas, Virginia, England (three tours, RAF Sculthorpe, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath), Tripoli Libya, California, Vietnam, South Dakota, Florida, Dezful Iran, Germany, Mississippi, and Ohio.

After Dick retired from the USAF he owned and operated The Roadside Market and Valley Beautiful Restaurant for several years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Johnson City.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by one sister, Carolyn Sue Erwin; two half-sisters:  Cecil Pullo and Helen Erwin Norris.

Richard leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of fifty-eight years, Margaret Wilson Erwin; two sons: Richard W. Erwin (Angela) of Norwich, England, Bob E. Erwin (Patience) of Unicoi; one daughter, Kim JoAnne Erwin of Erwin; nine grandchildren: Chrissie Millett (Matt), Katie Shields (Devin), Naomie Erwin, Britney Hughes, Brandon Hughes, Shelby Carlson, Emily Baddley (Chris), Chase Erwin, and Ethan Erwin (Chloe); eleven great grandchildren: Brigston, Taysom, Brooks, Cora, Peter, Samuel, Dax, Jaxon, Ava, Abe and Ammon; brother, Michael Lynn Erwin (Bonnie) of Maryville; sister, Phyllis R. Hutt of Knoxville; half-brother, Gary Phillips (Debbie) of Erwin; half-sister, Debra Phillips of North Carolina; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The Erwin family will receive friends on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Richard’s funeral service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Committal will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site). Military Honors will be rendered by Shaw Air Force Base. Those wishing to attend the committal are asked to meet by 1:55 p.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site).   

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Erwin family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi is privileged to serve the Erwin family. (423) 743-1380.

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