Royce Erwin BMI, Retired, 80, of Athens, died Monday evening, May 8, 2017 at his home.
He was a native of Piper Alabama, a longtime resident of McMinn County and was a son of the late Raymond and Annie Espy Erwin.
Royce was a Viet Nam veteran serving in the U.S. Navy and retiring after 20 years of service. He was associated with Duracell Battery and retired after 20 years.He was an avid card player and enjoyed spending time at the McMinn County Senoir Center.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Billings Erwin of Athens; two daughters, Jackie Fox and Julee Lance both of Athens; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Heather Erwin of Athens and Matt and Tonya Delashmit of Athens; seven granddaughters, Chelsie Delashmit Stephens and husband Jacob, Moriah Erwin, Stonie Fox, Hannah Erwin, Hailee Jacobs, Chloe Erwin, Mallie Fox; three grandsons, Cutler Lance, Dustin Lance and Caden Delashmit; and one brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Lottie Erwin of W. Blocton, Alabama.
A funeral service will be conducted, 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 11, 2017 in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Bernard officiating. Interment will be 11:30 am, Friday, in Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the U.S. Navy. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Thursday at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made in Royce's name to the McMinn Senior Activity Center, 205 McMinn Avenue, Athens, TN 37303.

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