Leo
in honor of Erik.
Miss you Papa
Erik Charles Anderson
Birth date: Aug 10, 1951 Death date: Aug 4, 2022
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It’s Another Day in Paradise: Erik Charles Anderson, age 71, of Roan Mountain TN, passed from this life after surgery complications on August 4, 2022 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Kingsport, TN where he played soccer and ran track. He attended high school at Suwanee Military Academy, graduating in 1969. From there he went to the Air Force Academy, graduating in 1973, which launched a distinguished and decorated military career in the United States Air Force, where he served in Space and Missile Operations until he retired at the rank of Colonel. After serving as a civilian with Booz Allen Hamilton for some years, Erik heard the call of the East Tennessee mountains and “retired” with his wife Cynthia to Roan Mountain. Erik’s impact was felt throughout East Tennessee through his work with Magil Memorial Presbyterian Church, the ACS food pantry, Carter County Parks & Rec Board, and the Roan Mountain Community Park that was so impacted by his work that the community re-named the park in his honor. Erik was loved by many in both family and community where he was respected for his logical and compassionate leadership, admired for his principled integrity, appreciated for his generous spirit, and remembered for his unflappable positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm. His accomplishments were many: leading the successful launch of countless military satellites, tracking Santa Claus at NORAD on Christmas Eve, preforming as a Master Whistler, decorated military service, clearing an entire dance floor at a formal event with a single fart, holding the USAF record for duration of a spoon hanging on his nose, an extreme golf handicap, hash house harrier, Air Force Academy dumpster sailing, playing an essential role in the development of the Roan Mountain community park, proud husband, father and grandfather, and if we told you any more about what he did… we’d have to kill you. Erik is survived by his wife Cynthia Anderson of Roan Mountain TN, daughter Erin Wallace and husband John of Annandale VA, daughter Tiffany Sapp and husband Jayon of Gray TN, grandchildren Lilah Sherrange, Daniel Sherrange, Leo Sapp and Antigone Wallace, and beloved Scottish Terriers Hamish and Freya. Other surviving family include sister Sandra Stiehl of Atlantic Beach NC, brother Mark Anderson of Kingsport TN, niece Samantha Byers of Concord NC, and Scott Stiehl of Newport NC. Erik was preceded in death by his parents V.E. (Andy) Anderson and Eudora Anderson of Kingsport TN, and sister Cinda Rae of Columbia SC. Erik’s family and friends invite all people impacted by his life of service to join them for a Celebration of Life this Saturday, August 13th at 2:00pm at Erik C. Anderson Roan Mountain Community Park (146 Carter Street, Roan Mountain), with a potluck to follow at 4:00pm, which will also be at the park and hosted by Magil Memorial Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Erik’s name to ACS Thrift Shop and Food Pantry, c/o Magil Memorial Presbyterian Church, PO Box 83, Roan Mountain, TN 37687Read Obituary
C. Kestner
Erik must have been an extraordinary person. We loved the humorous obit. We offer our sincere condolences for a life well lived. I'd love to claim kin; behind my surname is Anderson DNA. If Mark or any other Anderson knows their DNA haplogroup, let me know. I'll share mine and known Anderson genealogy. Would liked to have known him. cpandrsnksnr@charter.net. Peace, Rev. Dr. C. Phillip Kestner
Teresa Hicks
in honor of Erik.
Alan Zeigler
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of my Air Force Academy classmate and friend Erik Anderson. Erik was always a big personality, and people coveted his time, which he freely gave. Long ago, he "volunteered" me for something called the Academy Public Relations Committee, which was the best imaginable service gig. He never stopped serving in other ways for the rest of his life. I extend deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this precious time. Erik's resting place in the House of the Lord is assured.
Mike Arnett
Erik was a great friend. We knew each other from Air Force Academy days, but who knows how we met there. He was one of those guys with whom the intervening years disappeared as soon as we saw each other. He made the world a better place. We mourn with the family for the time being, looking to the Great Reunion when our days on Earth are complete.
Bwjones
Dearest faithful family of Erik, I would not want to put anyone’s life in jeopardy by sharing further stories. Suffice it to say that Erik was the amazement of Life to a large number of us NW Terrazzo Dwellers of the Blue Zoo. I still have Good dreams of those days. As we listen, we hear the Ruach in the Ramparts of “well done, good and faithful servant.” See you in a little while, Buddy …
Brian Jones, ‘73, CS18
Jim Simmons
I first met Erik when we were both wearing uniforms like the one you see in his picture. We were sharing a cadet squadron at the US Air Force Academy in the early 1970s. Much later we served together for several years on active duty in jobs that keep us close and drove us to daily lunchtime runs. We solved many professional, personal, and problems of the world during those times. I will say we had a very special friendship, but I think all of you know that's not a unique relationship to have had with Erik. Everyone who knew Erik knew they had a very special friendship. Erik was truly a character, but unlike every other person I would simply characterize with that term, Erik was a man of character, humor, integrity, faith, loyalty, energy, excitement for life, and love of his fellow man ... but especially love for, and pride in his family. I think we all secretly believe we should have been gone before Erik because we know he would do a much better job of posting memories for us than we can for him. The best I can do is to say we will truly miss Erik and that his memory will never be far away. Mary and I send our thoughts and prayers to Cindy (yes, that's how long I've know the Andersons), his beloved girls and their families. Erik, rest in peace.
Jim Simmons
Dallas Henna
In probably 1984, I met Erik when he was assigned to SAFPO at Ft. Meade, MD. At the time, he was promotable to Major and, therefore, we affectionately called him "Cajor". For about three years, I served with him and under his leadership. Again, I had the opportunity to serve with him and under his leadership while we both were assigned at the ADF at Buckley ANG Base, CO. I can personally vouch for his integrity, leadership, and service to his country. To me and other enlisted personnel, he displayed great communication skills, even with his TN twang, and showed respect for your views and ideas. It is with great honor that I had Erik as my "boss".
Being similar in age, socially, we had similar families; each of us raising two beautiful girls similar in age. As such, we spent considerable amount of time together as "extended" families. So many fond memories to remember and relive. Thinking of Erik, I can't help but remember beverages of choice; Jack and Diet Coke! And, I will always remember Erik's "gas attacks" that would come out of no where and any where! We almost had to evacuate a public bus in Vegas on one occasion. Thanks for the memories... CMSgt(R) Dal Henna
P.S. All of the above is to the best of my memory which isn't too good after 24 hours.
Donald Kanipe
My daughter, Michelle, was a NASCAR fan. We we to 1 race a year and Bristol was her High School graduation present. We stayed with Eric and Cynthia. One of my roommates from the Air Force Academy, Vic Singleton, came over for dinner and we all talked about our lives and our time together at USAFA in 19th Squadron. Eric and Vic took Michelle aside and told her stories about dear old dad (me) and careers in the Air Force. In fact, I credit them for Michelle making a career out of the Air Force. Eric and Vic (who passed a few years ago) were an inspiration to all, young and old.
Gloria Baird
Erik was the epitome of a servant of Christ. He was very much loved by so many who knew him. And so we grieve because we loved him.