Eric William "Bill" Friedrich

Dr. William Friedrich

Dr. Eric William "Bill" Friedrich, 82, of St. Simons Island, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, following an extended illness. Bill was born Aug. 1, 1942, in St. Louis, to William and Agnes Friedrich. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in St. Louis, St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 1967. Following medical school, Bill served as an officer and flight surgeon in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves until 1977.

Bill began his multi-decade medical career in the Golden Isles of Southeast Georgia in 1974, after falling in love with the area during an unplanned landing that damaged his airplane's propeller at the St. Simons Island Airport. He never left.

He served on the staff at what is now Southeast Georgia Health System and established and operated Friedrich Medical Center and Golden Isles Surgery Center until his first retirement in 2006. Bill then began a second medical career in anti-aging medicine, founding Ultimate Health and Rejuvenation, where he practiced until his final retirement in 2022.

Anyone who met Bill has a story to tell about their encounter. He was often described as an eccentric genius and a Renaissance man, with an eclectic range of interests and skills - each pursued with relentless passion. His humor was spontaneous, infectious and occasionally bawdy.

Bill's greatest love was his family. He filled their lives with adventure, unconditional support and a home that was always open to friends. His children carry indelible memories of countless experiences, from spontaneous trips to creative projects shared together. His artistic talent is forever captured in the self-crafted greeting cards he made for birthdays and special occasions.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters, Laura Culpepper (husband, Rob) of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and Lindsay Friedrich (fiancé, Drew Englert) of St. Simons Island; son, Eric Friedrich (husband, Justin Hart) of St. Simons Island; five grandchildren, Anneliese, Merritt and Holland Culpepper, and Hudson and Mason Hart; sister, Anita Blattenberger of St. Louis; and cousins, Fred and Marcia Dittmaier of Apopka, Florida.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Patti Walker, who began as a colleague in Bill's anti-aging practice and became a devoted caregiver and cherished friend to Bill and the family. They also wish to thank hospice nurses Mary Berg, Susan Richards and Kylee Glasser for their compassionate care, love and guidance during Bill's final months.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at St. William Catholic Church, on St. Simons Island.

A celebration of life will follow immediately at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center next to the lighthouse, on St. Simons Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Never forgotten, forever loved, and eternally at peace. Fly high until we meet again.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, www.edomillerandsons.com, is in charge of the arrangements.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, August 1, 2025