January 4, 2023

George Albert Erath
​ October 24, 1940- December 20, 2022

CWO3 Retired, George Albert Erath, US Army, 82, of Fayetteville, Tenn., died Dec. 20, 2022, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tenn. He was born on October 25, 1940, in Billings to the late R. Dewey and Nellie Christina Wagner Erath.
George retired from the US Army after an honored career that spanned over 20 years. His service carried him to both Vietnam and Germany, and finally to Redstone Arsenal. Not one to brag on himself, his actions spoke for him. He maintained an excellent service record and took pride in his duties. George was also very well respected by his subordinates, and many were mentored by him throughout his career. He even went back to Frankfurt, Germany, in the 1980s, where he was in charge of an upgrade in facilities, and assisted in design and missile systems. While in the Army George also obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Maryland. He went on after retirement to work as an engineer with Boeing in Quality Control with NASA’s Space Station.
George also loved his family, and he loved nature. His favorite way of showing that love was working together with his family on the farm and passing on his leadership and guidance while sharing the joy of the land. George thrived outside on his tree farm and planted over 16,000 hardwood trees there. He was also the Treasurer of the Elk Valley Foresters Association. George was an accomplished pianist and a true “Renaissance Man” who shared himself with those around him. His wish would surely be that of his fellow soldiers when he left their ranks to return to Germany, “May the sun fall ever on your shoulders.”
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Marlies Radug Erath; son, Robert Lee (Shannon) Erath; daughter, Natalya “Tascha” (Ronald) Osgood; grandchildren, Savanna Leigh Erath, Amanda Lynn Erath, Augustus James (Sarah Catherine) Osgood, and Abrahm George Osgood; brother, Robert William “Bob” (Elaine) Erath.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother, Philip Dewey Erath.
Funeral service for George was held Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Higgins Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Vann officiating. Burial followed in Lincoln Cemetery. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve George’s family.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

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