VIDEO: The funeral for Hobart “Hobie” Erickson, 95, filled Hodges United Methodist Church with a large number of attendees - including an extended family of firefighters.
Erickson was considered South Carolina’s oldest active firefighter when he died on April 26. The longtime firefighter had been with the Donalds Fire Department for about 35 years and served as the chief for part of that time.
Erickson also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His career as a firefighter started in New Jersey, where he was born. His career as a first responder lasted over 65 years.
“The fire service...is one big brotherhood,” Clayton Martin told FOX Carolina. “Hobie was a very loving, caring man. They didn’t come much better than him.” Martin, a former assistant chief at the Donalds Fire Department, said his father also worked alongside Erickson as a firefighter.