Eric Freeman, aka “Buttermilk”.  A kind, loving soul – a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin – but most of all, a FRIEND.  He was a friend to everyone, unconditionally.  A gentle giant.  The 49ers biggest fan.  A race car enthusiast.  A kid at heart.  A man of God. 

Those who knew him felt blessed, because he had a way of making us want to be better than we were yesterday.

It never occurred to me that, on Saturday, December 14, 2019 when he pulled from his driveway and we exchanged our usual wave and he did his ‘beep-beep’ of the car horn as he left, that this would be our last earthly interaction. 

Later that night, Eric would be transported to WakeMed with gunshot wounds that left him fighting for his life.

Eric was shot by someone who didn’t know him – someone with no regard for human life, a person with no consideration of how this selfish, senseless, unconscionable act would forever change the lives of so many people.

On Monday, December 16, 2019, Eric died from those injuries, leaving his beautiful wife and kids devastated. 

Eric, Diane, their twins, Kately & Kameron and triplets, Christi, Christian & Christa, have been my neighbors for several years.  We became friends immediately – lending and borrowing, sharing stories, garden bounties, playing in the street – but most of all, vowing to look out for one another, always.

Diane and the children have lost their nucleus; their protector, family leader and best friend.  A strong faith and devout relationship with God is their only source of comfort right now.  Very few of us could even begin to imagine the strength they’ll need to move forward. 

To make good on my promise to be the kind of friend I know he’d be to me, I’m asking that you please share this tragic story and my plea for help. 

We can’t possibly make this right – it wasn’t, and NEVER WILL BE, right.  What we CAN do is to help take away some of the stress.  We can show that we’re willing to step up and help take away some of the financial uncertainties for Diane and the kids.  We can make it possible for them to take some time to process this unexpected tragedy without worrying about how the bills will be paid.

Please join me and help make this very difficult time a little easier for them.  I’m not asking for a handout; I’m asking for a hand UP.  I’m asking that you be as kind as you’d want people to be in your own time of need. 

Every donation will go directly to Diane, to help cover expenses for her and the children during this very difficult time.  Please understand that I've been in constant contact with Diane and have received her approval for every step of this process.  You may notice that donations are being sent to my name - that's ONLY until she has time to sit down with me so that we can get her banking information attached to the GoFundMe account.

Your kindness is greatly appreciated and may you be Blessed for your generosity.