Richard "Rick" A. Erwin

Richard “Rick” Alan Erwin, 71, went home to be with the Lord on November 29, 2025, at Best of Care Assisted Living where he had been in declining health for many years.

Rick was born on November 27, 1954, in Cabarrus County to the late William Lee Erwin Sr and Louise Winecoff Erwin.

He was a graduate of AL Brown Class of 1973 where he was the student body president. After high school he attended the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and graduated in 1977. One year at Carolina he was the manager of the basketball team under the leadership of Dean Smith. Rick was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and remained a steadfast Tarheel throughout his life. After graduating from UNC, he was employed by many companies including Cannon Mills, C&D Coffee, Oscar Meyer, PepsiCo, ADESA Impact, and IAA. During his career he held sales positions to regional management positions. After he retired his part time job was with the Kannapolis City Schools, where he worked as a teacher assistant and bus driver. He was known as Mr. “E.”

Rich was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in China Grove. For many years he donated his time and energy to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He loved traveling, golfing, beaching, napping and walking. He could be seen walking through Landis talking with everyone he met.

Rick is survived by his wife, Crystal Petrea Erwin; two sons, Andrew and Adam Erwin(Nikki); brother, Billy Erwin (Lynn); sister, Marty Hughes (Jack); grandchildren, Mason, Madden Hope, Jaxson, and Hendrix Erwin; Cassie Rogers, mother of Mason and Madden; numerous nephews and nieces; cousin, Ross Chandler; brother-in-laws, Randy (Melanie), Jason and Wesley Petrea; special aunt, Patsy Steen (Charles); and his best friend, Dennis O’Connor.

The family will receive friends from 1:30pm to 3:00pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in China Grove. The memorial service will begin immediately following the visitation at 3:00pm with Rev. Jeff Topinka officiating.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church-P.O Box 596 China Grove, NC 28023.