David Erickson, IIIKnoxville, TNDavid Julius Erickson, III, 55, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. David was born on May 20, 1960, in Syracuse, New York to David and Barbara Erickson. David graduated from Portville Central School in 1978, and received his B.S. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Upon graduation, he continued his studies and received his PhD in Atmospheric Science from the Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, Rhode Island. He had a distinguished career in computational atmospheric studies and gained international recognition for his contributions to climate science. David's most cherished moments were traveling to new countries and enjoying new experiences with his wife and family. He loved watching and supporting his children in all their endeavors. David is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Caroline Erickson; his two children, Galen David Mahatma Erickson, 20, and Erin Kristin Mariah Erickson, 17; father, David J. Erickson, II; sisters, Kimberly Erickson Duffy, Amy Erickson Sisson, and Kristin Erickson McRitchie; and numerous nieces and nephews. His mother, Barbara Mary Brockman Erickson, preceded him in death. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 22, from 3:00-4:00 PM with a service celebrating his life to follow at Faith Lutheran Church, 225 Jamestowne Blvd, with Pastor Robert Stelter officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry at Faith Lutheran Church. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, 11915 Kingston Pike, is serving the family. www.clickfh.com.