George Erdman, a longtime resident of the College Walk Community in Brevard, North Carolina, passed away at Transylvania Regional Hospital on Sunday, August 4th, 2024. He was 95.
The son of G. Emery and Gladys Erdman, he was born on September 24, 1928, in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. He was the second of five children. His high school yearbook accurately described him as a “congenial fellow who is a master of wit and information.” His college education was interrupted when he was called to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. A member of the Army Corps of Engineers, he was sent to California and then Alaska as part of a topographic surveying battalion. Upon returning, he graduated from Lehigh University in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering. He moved to Upstate New York to take a position with the Gouverneur Talc Company. He was quickly promoted to Mine Superintendent and then to Vice President and General Manager of operations.
It was in Gouverneur that he met the love of his life, Jeanette Nuffer, a local school teacher, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Married in 1958, George and Jeanette valued family, church, and hard work above all. Their love for each other and their four children was a cornerstone of their lives. George was a proud member of the Gouverneur Masonic Lodge and also served for many years on the local hospital board of trustees.
After George’s retirement in 1990, they moved to Brevard, North Carolina, and became faithful members of Brevard First United Methodist Church. George went on several church mission trips and volunteered in the building of more than 50 homes with Habitat for Humanity. He and Jeanette continued to enjoy travel, golf, and watching their family grow. A fiercely devoted husband, George cared for her until her death in 2021.
During his years at Brevard’s College Walk Community, George enjoyed the Monday night Brew Crew, monthly pizza parties, social and cultural events, and particularly “Bett’s Bar,” when he would commune with his neighbors in the driveway and enjoy conversation and an adult beverage. His close-knit friends, neighbors, and staff there greatly enhanced his quality of life.
George is survived by his sister Carol Ann, four children: George VI of Gouverneur, New York, Jennie of St. Helen, Michigan, Sarah of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, and Dan of Gouverneur, New York; his ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; Geneva Drakeford, special to the family, of Tega Cay, South Carolina; and sister-in-law Joan Dando, who loved him like a brother.
A service to celebrate his life well-lived will be held on Saturday, August 17th, at 10 a.m. at Brevard First United Methodist Church. All are welcome. George was ever mindful of life’s blessings and was extremely generous. Those who wish to honor his legacy may do so by donating to the charity of their choice or to the Transylvania Habitat for Humanity. (https://transylvaniahabitat.charityproud.org/Donate) The family will carry him to his final resting place beside his loving wife at Beaver Falls Community Cemetery later this Fall.