Ridge Lee Erickson

Ridge "Papa" Erickson, 66, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 8th 2015. Born November 25th, 1948 in Oklahoma City, OK he was the son of Charles W. Erickson and the late Lavada Erickson, both from Oklahoma. He grew up in Oklahoma City, OK with his brother Mark and graduated from Grant High School in 1967 and attended East Central State College.
He was married to Nina Erickson in Jacksonville, FL in 1996 and they lived in Jacksonville, Denver, and Lawrenceville during their 19 year honeymoon. Ridge retired in early 2015 from his 35 plus year career in various management roles with W.W. Grainger industrial supply company where he was a Branch Manager for a good portion of the last 15 years of his career in Jacksonville, FL.
Ridge is a veteran of the Vietnam conflict serving as a Staff Sargent in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years with distinction as a radar operator from 1968-1972 and was stationed in Japan. During his service he flew 43 combat support missions in the Far East. He earned several medals including the Air Medal for his distinguished participation in combat.
He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather and was most proud of his three grandchildren. Ridge loved to laugh, pontificate, golf, and spend time with his family. Ridge is best described as "a great man" giving of himself, his time, and a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
He is survived by his wife Nina Erickson of Lawrenceville, GA; his father Charles W. Erickson of Oklahoma City, OK; his brother Mark Erickson of Oklahoma City, OK; his children Jennifer Judd (Amy) of Decatur, GA; Kristy DiFranco (Russell) of West Palm Beach, FL; his grandchildren Cole DiFranco, Parker Judd, and Morgan Judd; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and golfing buddies.
"And there you have it." – Ridge L. Erickson
The family will receive friends Sunday, September 13th from 4:00 – 6:00 at A.S. Turner and Sons, Decatur, GA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Monday, September 14th at the Chapel of A.S. Turner and Sons. Burial will take place at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA at 2:00 pm following the service.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033