Eric Corman Drumm

Knoxville - Dr. Eric Corman Drumm, age 68, died February 7, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Janet Drumm; children, Joseph (Megan) Drumm and Rebecca (Daniel) Widener; grandchildren, Ben and William Drumm and Parker Widener; and sister, Carol Drumm (Fred) Wood. He is preceded in death by his parents, Judith and Corman Drumm.

Eric was born (August 16, 1951) in Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC, he attended the University of South Carolina, earning a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. After working with Duke Energy, he began doctorial work at Virginia Tech University, and ultimately earned a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Arizona. He then began what became a 37 year career at the University of Tennessee.

He started his academic career in the Civil Engineering Department, where he became a tenured professor. Eric then served as Department Head of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture from 2008 to 2016. During his tenure as department head, he initiated the Construction Science concentration, which became its own degree program in 2019. Throughout his service to UT, he was much respected and beloved by colleagues and students alike.

Though dedicated and accomplished in his life's work, he treasured time with Janet and their children, and later, their grandchildren. Eric will be remembered for his love for family, his patience and his wisdom, whether it is tying a fishing knot with a grandchild or providing counsel and support to family, friends and students. He was one who put others first, respected civility, and casted calm on all situations.

As a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Eric practiced his Christian faith quietly, humbly and generously.

A celebration of Eric's life will be held at 3:00pm, Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (6500 Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919). Friends will be received following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Eric Drumm Construction Science Program Enhancement Endowment [University of Tennessee Foundation (notate in memory of Dr. Eric Drumm), Attention Tom Looney, UT Institute of Agriculture, 107 Morgan Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996-4502] or Westminster Presbyterian Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Feb. 12 to Feb. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Drumm

15 Entries

Jomaa Ben Hassine

April 28, 2022

I will miss Dr. Drumm immensely. He was a great mentor and supported me as a foreign student wanting to learn geotechnical engineering while navigating the cultural pressures. I worked on numerous research projects with Dr. Drumm and I will miss his guidance and support. He left us unexpectedly. May his soul rest peace.

Chandrakant S Desai

February 9, 2022

I remember Eric often and cherish his loving memory.

Sharon Lambdin

March 1, 2020

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Eric Drumm. He was a true gentleman and so kind to everyone. He was a great asset to the Univ. of TN. and the construction industry. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Paul Tucker

February 25, 2020

Dr. Drumm was an excellent teacher, who cared for his students. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Drumm as a teacher when I earned my BSCE and MS. Then, he was my department head when I started working on my Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering. I will always remember his booming voice in class. You could hear him lecture from the hallway. He will be greatly missed.

Vickie and Rex Owens

February 20, 2020

i met Eric when our sons played baseball at west high school . Many spring and summer days relaxing with family and friends. Then later we spent three days working together on his orange ford truck. what a great man. i am a better person for having known him.

Ekramul Ehite

February 20, 2020

I had known Dr. Eric Drumm since I joined the Biosystems Engineering department at UT in the Fall 2018 session. He was my Ph.D. Co-advisor, but he was also a guide, mentor, and friend. On the day he was hospitalized, we were supposed to run an experiment together. Even though he was not feeling well, he still wanted to go ahead with the test. That goes to show you the level of dedication to science and research Dr. Drumm had. I am glad we got to have a really nice conversation discussing research and other stuff the last time we met, and I got to give him a gift that I had brought for him from my winter travels in the UK. I am heartbroken by his sudden passing and will miss him dearly.

Ekramul Ehite
Ph.D. Student (advisee of Dr Drumm)
University of Tennessee

February 19, 2020

Janet:
We were shocked & saddened to hear of Eric's passing. You may remember us from U of A in the early nineties. I have very fond memories of Eric as a kind & friendly soul with an understated sense of humor. I will always cherish the great grad school camaraderie and memories. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Suji & Deepa Somasundaram
Laguna Niguel, California

Kiichi Suzuki

February 18, 2020

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Drumm. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work and to be friends with him. He will be sadly missed.

Polly Justus

February 18, 2020

Janet and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Eric's passing. May you be comforted by the good memories and special times together. I'm not able to be at the service but please know you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Polly Justus

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Arash Hassanikhah

Sent Flowers

April 2019 at his office

Arash Hassanikhah

February 17, 2020

It is hard to believe that you are no longer with us. I knew Dr. Drumm since Sept. 2017 when I started working with him as a postdoc. What I found very profound about him, was his bright soul and caring attitude regarding his surrounding people. I learned from him how to handle my professional effort with my personal life and how to be very humble and patient against the big challenges. Despite knowing him for a short time, he had a deep influence on me. He will remain in my heart forever and his memory will always be a treasure for me. Sincere condolences to his family grieving the unbelievable loss they suffered.

Chandrakant Desai

February 16, 2020

Professor Eric C. Drumm

I was shocked to hear that Eric passes away. Not many days ago, I had a talk with him and he was hopeful with the medication he was on.

In 1981, he and his family moved to Tucson from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg to continue his doctoral work at the University of Arizona with me. His work was valuable in installation of many testing devices.
Eric was an outstanding researcher, and was very skilled at laboratory testing.

Eric was always soft spoken and kind with a noble spirit. He was generous in helping others.

I am very proud of Eric's highly successful career at the University of Tennessee where he has excelled in teaching, research, professional service and administration.

Eric was an excellent student, and for the last 40 years a dear friend.

My wife Patricia and I extend heartfelt condolences to Janet, his children and family.

From: Chandrakant S. Desai
Regents Professor (Emeritus)
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
2-20-2020

February 16, 2020

Omar Faruque

February 15, 2020

Im deeply saddened to hear that Eric passed away. Eric and I were contemporary PhD students working with Professor Desai. He was a dear friend. He helped me and my family so much when we were moving to Arizona from Blacksburg. I will miss him greatly. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.

william Lauer

February 15, 2020

My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Eric and I enjoyed a very long friendship, not only as UT colleagues, but also as a great workout partner with the UT masters swimming group.
I will be out of town next week and will not be able to attend the services. Please know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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