Jerry Wayne Erwin

Jerry Wayne Erwin, 79, long time resident of Carters Creek Pike, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Maury Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. A graveside service will be conducted Friday at 11:00 A.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens with Reverend Billy Kimbrough officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 3:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born December 2, 1938 in Maury County, he was the son of the late Earl H. Erwin and the late Frances Porter Erwin. He was a 1958 graduate of Columbia Central High School and attended University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Cumberland University. He retired as Lieutenant Colonel in Tennessee National Guard after 36 years of service. Jerry worked for Young Sales Insulation and then was owner of Erwin Insulation for most of his work life. Later in life, he worked at the Spring Hill Home Depot and was a Maury County School Bus Driver. Mr. Erwin was a devoted family man and active community member, who loved doing God's work and doing good for others. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Columbia for over 40 years, where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher, usher, and served on various committees including being a construction advisor on the Building Committee. He enjoyed being an active member of the Maury County Bridle and Saddle Club and the Mule Day Committee, where he was Co-Chairman for many years. He served as a Maury County Commissioner for 12 years and was an Advisory Board Member at the Rippavella Plantation in Spring Hill, where he was involved with the Mule Museum. In his honor for his work in the community, a public park in Spring Hill was named Jerry Erwin Park. He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Faye Tyler Erwin of Columbia; daughters, Brenda Faye (Monty) Bland of Columbia; and Gwen (Dodd) Church of Spring Hill; grandchildren, Chase Bland; Chance Bland; and Caleb Church; sister, Earlene (David) Sanborn of Cincinnati, Ohio; brothers, Billy Erwin of Columbia; and Hugh (Joy) Erwin of Columbia; and several nieces and nephews. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. The family would like to express a special thanks to the Staff of Signature Health Care in Columbia and Maury Regional Medical Center for their care.