John Eric Olson, III

John Eric Olson, III, age 92, of Avondale Estates, GA, passed away on February 10, 2025. Eric was born on September 20, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, spent his early years in Pittsburgh, PA, with his family eventually resettling in Avondale Estates, GA, where he spent his teenage years. He was a proud high school graduate of Marist College (now the Marist School), class of 1950. Following graduation he attended the University of Georgia, Atlanta Division. He joined the United States Navy in 1951 and honorably served his country for four years. As a veteran of the Korean War, he served on the USS Saipan CVL 48, circling the world and making lasting memories and lifelong friendships with his fellow shipmates. Eric married the love of his life, Ruth, in 1955. Together, they raised three daughters. They spent many memorable years in Spring Valley neighborhood in Decatur, GA, eventually relocating to Avondale Estates, where they resided for the last 51 years.

Eric lived a great, full life. He took pride in his career, as the manager of Robertson Factories, a curtain textile manufacturer, retiring in 1993. He set a wonderful example to all, in his loving marriage to Ruth, raising their three daughters and contributing to his community and church, where they fostered many deep friendships. In his free time, when he was not playing his weekly rounds of golf with friends, Eric immersed himself in family genealogy, sometimes even traveling across the country to research and document his findings for the benefit of future generations. He has left an enduring impact on those he touched.

Eric was predeceased by his father John Eric Olson, II, his mother Emily Browning Olson and sister Mary Olson Boggs.

Eric is survived by his wife Ruth Olson of 69 years, three daughters Marie Meadows (William), Jennifer Olson (John O'Callaghan) and Elizabeth Heuett (Gibson).

He was able to enjoy nine wonderful grandchildren and their spouses, Eric Heuett (Diana), Elizabeth Temples (Chad), Alexandra Townsend (Matthew), Catherine Bennett (Matthew), Jordan Wilton (Benjamin), Andrew O'Callaghan (Leah), Michael Heuett (Kathleen), Abby O'Callaghan and Avery O'Callaghan.

Eric was blessed to not only meet his great grandchildren but get to know them and spend real quality time together; he immensely enjoyed his time spent with Ellison Temples, Emerson Heuett, Lucia Temples, Weston Heuett, Theodore Temples, Olivia O'Callaghan and Hayes Heuett.

A funeral service will be held on February 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 2089 Ponce de Leon Avenue Atlanta, GA, 30307, with interment of ashes to follow in the Epiphany Memorial Garden. Reverend Amy Dills-Wright will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Marist School; https://www.marist.com/support-marist/make-a-gift/make-an-endowment-gift or The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Alter Guild; https://onrealm.org/epiphanyatl/-/form/give/memorials