Henry John "Hank" Erb

Henry John “Hank” Erb

Appling, GA – Henry John “Hank” Erb of Grovetown, Georgia, went home to the Master on July 14, 2011. Born November 12, 1928 in New Kensington, PA to James S. Erb and Junetta Cyphert Erb. He was preceded in death by brothers, James “Sonny” Erb and Irwin Eugene Erb, and sisters Leona Erb Blose and Irene “Erb” Johnson.

Having joined the U.S. Army in 1952, he found himself arriving at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where a blind date led him to his wife and a life-long love of grits and collard greens. He first joined the Augusta Police Department as a Patrol Officer in 1957 and retired at the rank of Detective in 1984, having served as the department’s fingerprint expert and photographer.

Two of Hank’s passions were fishing and hunting. Passions that he instilled in each of his children. Hank currently holds the record for the 6th largest antlered deer taken in Columbia County.

Hank had a vision for a small piece of property on Clark’s Hill and was fundamental in gathering a few of his dearest and closest friends to create a club that would ultimately be known as Watersports, Inc. Nothing pleased him more than to have folks gathering at the pavilion for a cookout, and telling stories of the “old” days, while watching his grandchildren fishing on the dock. That Club, its members, and their camaraderie and love will forever be recognized as his legacy.

Hank’s steady, old-fashioned perseverance was a mark of his character, a character defined by consistent warmth and strength. He believed that if you worked hard, treated people right, and said your prayers, you could have a good life. He showed his family his strength and love up to the very end. Those who know and love him can at last sit back tell the old stories, talk about how he loved them and know that he led a complete life.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Naomi Morris Erb; sons, Michael (Susan) J. Erb (Appling, Ga.) and Roger A. (Yvonne) Erb (Martinez, Ga.); daughter, Deborah E. (Larry) Coggins (Appling, Ga.); and sister, Audrey (Rudy) Gaglardi (Arnold, PA); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Despite his living a full, rich 82 years, they wish he could have lived forever.

At his request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Correspondences may be sent to the Erb family at P.O. Box 547, Appling, Georgia, 30802. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 1190 Interstate Parkway, Augusta, Georgia 30909.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Hencefore there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, with the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 6-8


Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com