Paul ERWIN

1942 - 2017

ERWIN, Paul Paul Erwin Early Education Pioneer Former Marietta resident and Primrose Schools co-founder Paul L. Erwin, 75, passed away on April 8, 2017, following an extended illness at his home in Greenville, South Carolina. In 1982, Erwin and his wife, Marcy, founded Primrose School in Marietta, transforming the early childcare industry. The couple pioneered the curriculum-based approached used at the school, and developed it based on the type of education they dreamed of for their own children. The original 8-acre Primrose campus grew to include 16 classrooms, farm animals, nature trails and gardens. The concept was very well received and eventually led to the first national educational childcare franchise in 1989. Today, there are nearly 350 Primrose schools located in 29 states. Erwin was a true entrepreneur, owning and operating many different businesses in addition to Primrose, including a jewelry store, convenience stores, a butcher shop and deli, a dry-cleaning business, a car rental business, and vending machines, just to name a few. Family and friends say Erwin devoted his life to his family and children, protecting and nurturing both with utmost vigor. He was a man who never shied away from responsibility and always went the extra mile to make sure those responsibilities were met. This dedication and compassion served as a foundation for not only his own family, but has inspired the countless families enrolled at Primrose schools throughout the decades. Erwin is survived by his loving wife, Marcy, son Spence (Mary Katherine) and their children Harley, Teagan and Henry, daughter Meggie (Buck) Bradberry and their children Mae and Hank. His loving son Henry James Erwin preceded him in death on September 21, 2007. Erwin was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 2, 1942, and recently moved to Greenville following an extended illness. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to Harbor House Child Advocacy Center in Rome, Georgia.