Eric Allan DeFreitas

Dr. Eric DeFreitas, born on December 11, 1951 in Providence, RI, went home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2021 at the age of 69.  He was a beloved, devoted husband to Mary Beth (Villeneuve) DeFreitas, and a beloved, devoted father to David and Nathan DeFreitas.  He left behind his mother Vivian DeFreitas, brother Keith DeFreitas and grandchildren Braydon, Tyler, Elijah and Titan.  

Eric served his country honorably in the Medical Corp of the United States Navy for 9 years.  He attended the University of Rhode Island, Clemson University, and was a graduate of Bob Jones University in which he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine.  He was also a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, having received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1980, and a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1984. Eric completed his medical internship and residency at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA in Obstetrics/Gynecology from1984 to 1989. Honors received include Rho Chi Honor Society, Who’s Who in American Colleges and National Dean’s List.

Eric practiced as a military physician in the naval hospital of Okinawa, Japan from 1989 to 1991. When he returned to the United States, he practiced as a physician of obstetrics and gynecology at Women’s Center of East Tennessee for 28 years in Athens, TN. Eric was also a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).  The last 2 years of his life were spent traveling as a physician to the Indian Reservation in North Dakota and at the University of Kansas hospital in Great Bend, Kansas.  

His favorite hobbies, in addition to being an avid reader, were sailing, scuba diving, camping, and photography. He was also an instrument rated pilot and loved it.  

Eric loved and served his God and therefore loved and served the people of his community. He was a faithful, active member of Cornerstone Bible Church in Athens, TN.  He served on the board of directors at the ministries of Women at the Well and Full Circle Medical Center for Women also in Athens, TN.

“If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.  So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”

- Romans 14:8

Eric DeFreitas will be dearly missed.

In remembrance of Eric’s service to his community, the family asks for guests attending the receiving of friends to bring a photo of your family with Eric or of the baby he delivered along with a shared memory on the back of the photo to display at the service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to https://www.thewomenatthewell.com/  or https://fullcircleforwomen.org/ .

Family has requested a live streaming of the service. You will be able to watch live at https://www.facebook.com/serenityetowah/