Erwin Cruz Obituary

Erwin Osiris Cruz, born January 8, 1952, in Potomac, New Jersey, but raised in Augusta, Georgia, passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 73.

He was the son of Meriam Williams and Adalberto Cruz and a graduate of Glenn Hills High School, Class of 1970. He went on to earn his degree in Biology from Georgia State University and spent much of his life in service to others as a soldier in the U.S. Army, a firefighter and paramedic for the Rockdale County Fire Department, and later as a nurse practitioner.

Erwin lived a colorful life. It wasn't always easy for him or those close to him, but it was his. He was sharp, opinionated, and had a playful sense of humor that often turned into silly pranks, especially on his kids and grandkids. He loved to cook and was proud of the many chili cook-offs he won over the years. His homemade "chow-chow" was a staple at family gatherings.

He had a deep appreciation for nature and was endlessly curious about the world around him. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping on Cumberland Island, and hanging with his dogs. He spent countless hours watching National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, always eager to learn something new about wildlife, the environment, or far-off places, including the stars above us.

Erwin is survived by his four children, seventeen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, along with siblings and extended family members.

A private family gathering will be held to honor his life. In his memory, cook some spaghetti or chili, take a walk with your dog, put on a documentary about the natural world-or better yet, play a harmless prank on your kid. He would've liked that.