Richard "Smiley" Joseph Erickson of East Tawas, formerly of the Singing Bridge area, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at Covenant Harrison Hospital in Saginaw, age 62 years. Smiley was born on Dec. 11, 1953 in AuGres to Edwin "Bud" and Ann Mary (Zuber) Erickson. He was a graduate of Tawas Area High School, Class of 1974. Smiley was a former employee of Bishop Products, Tawas St. Joseph Hospital, the Sugar Beet Dump in AuGres, and he was also a bouncer at several taverns in the Tawas area. Richard had a heart and a gift of sharing love that simply couldn't be measured. He lived by his motto, "A Smile Goes A Mile!" He gave so many countless hours helping others through various different volunteer groups and organizations, and he always wanted to lend a hand to any one in need. Smiley had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and he was a member of the Club Hogg. Richard is now survived by his mother, Ann Mary Erickson of Tawas City; siblings, Ruth (Gary) Barnes of Grand Blanc, Thomas (Lynn) Erickson of Hubbard Lake, Kathy (John) George of Turner, James Erickson of Tawas City, William Erickson of Tawas City and David (Wynne) Erickson of Tawas City; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special friends. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Edwin "Bud" Erickson; his paternal grandparents, Frances and John Erickson; and his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Josephine Zuber. His family will welcome friends for visitation on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. The Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's Catholic Church in AuGres with Father Charles Donajkowski and Father Lawrence Boks officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the mass in Sims-Whitney Cemetery. Those wishing to express a memorial through a contribution are encouraged to do so to his family. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.