Douglas Everett Erb

Douglas Everett Erb, 76, Sarasota, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on January 27, 2021. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1944, he was the son of CJ and Marjorie Erb. Doug grew up in Dearborn, Michigan. He was a 1967 graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he majored in education and minored in art. He was also captain of his golf team. Doug shared 48 years of marriage with his wife, Sherry.

Doug was a lifetime member of the PGA. He began his professional golf career as an assistant pro at Dearborn Country Club , Dearborn, MI and Bay Hill Country Club in Orlando, Florida. In 1972, he became the Head Professional at Lemon Tree Golf Course in Belleville, Michigan. By 1977 he was a Partner at Forest Lakes Country Club, Sarasota, Florida, where he worked as Director of Golf and General Manager of the club. He was co-founder of the Florida Golf Course Owners and Management Assoc. After the sale of the club, he continued his love of teaching as an instructor at the IMG Ledbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton, Florida and Longboat Key Club, Sarasota.

In semi-retirement, Doug remained active leading bible studies, and serving as a Deacon, Trustee and member of the choir at First Baptist Church, Sarasota. He also attained a 32 degree Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Doug was President of the Saramana Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and rotary member. He was a coach for the PGA Jr. golf program and an instructor for the Adaptive Golf Academy, a leader in the high school Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization and high school golf coach.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sherry, and sister, Carolyn Erb Laband, Colorado along with his five children, Rhett Erb (Stacy), Cameron Parker (Steve), Tyler Erb (Carrie), Whitney Elam (Brandon), and Shelby Thompson (Matt), eight grandchildren and seventeen nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, CJ and Marjorie Erb and his brother, Richard.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life for Doug on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2 PM at First Sarasota - The Downtown Baptist Church, 1661 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236, or join them via livestream, www.firstsarasota.org - click on Watch us Live!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church, 1670 Main St., Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236.