UPDATE
In Loving Memory of Eric Daniel Spillar
The community of Buda, Texas, continues to mourn the loss of Eric Daniel Spillar, Lieutenant Firefighter/Paramedic with the Buda Fire Department, Station 3, Engine 33, who passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026.
Born on September 22, 1982, in Dallas, Texas, Eric lived a life rooted in service and deep devotion to his family. He loved his wife and children fiercely and found his greatest joy in time spent together—especially family grill nights and making memories at home.
Eric had a passion for adventure and the outdoors, enjoying the beach, mountain biking, skiing, and overlanding. Known for his sharp wit and quick sarcasm, he was often the life of the party. Loyal, dependable, and deeply caring, Eric showed his love in quiet and meaningful ways. His faith was an important part of his life, and he felt truly at home at Hillside Fellowship Church.
Eric served 15 years with the Buda Fire Department and three years with San Marcos Hays County EMS. As one of the department’s first twelve paramedics, he helped develop training programs and taught CPR throughout the community. A respected mentor and leader, Eric left a lasting impact on those he served alongside and the community he loved.
Eric is survived by his wife, Kimberly Ann Spillar; his daughter, Brooklynn Ann; his son, Pierce Daniel; and a large extended family. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his profession, and his faith.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
A service honoring Eric will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Fellowship Church, 7055 Highway 281 N, Spring Branch, TX 78070.
A Celebration of Life will follow at Screaming Goat Yard & Tap, 4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070, where food, beer, and margaritas will be served as family and friends gather to share memories and honor Eric’s life.
The family remains deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time.
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Hi, my name is Linda Smith, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Eric and Kim Spillar.
Watching Eric and Kim face this unimaginable cancer battle has been heartbreaking. I created this campaign to help ease the overwhelming burden they’re facing. Every prayer, share, and donation makes a difference for a family who has given so much to others.
A Life of Service — And Now, a Long Road Ahead
Eric has spent the past 17 years serving his community as a Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic with Buda Fire & EMS, always first on the scene to help others in crisis. Now, he and his family are facing their own emergency and they need us.
Eric’s Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer
In May 2025, Eric was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue. Since that day, he’s faced every challenge with courage, faith, and determination.
After two major surgeries this summer, recent appointments at MD Anderson confirmed that this is a long and difficult journey. Eric’s medical team outlined an extensive treatment plan filled with complex procedures, hospital stays, and long recovery periods.
Eric’s Journey So Far
✅ Step 1: Immunotherapy – Unfortunately, this treatment was not successful.
✅ Step 2: Major Surgery #1 (15+ hours) – Removal of the cancer and reconstruction of a tongue flap. The surgery successfully removed the tumor from his tongue and lymph nodes in his neck.
✅ Step 3: Major Surgery #2 (8+ hours) – A complex procedure to repair and seal the reconstructed tongue flap. Unfortunately, the repair did not hold as hoped.
✅ Step 4: Radiation Therapy – 5 days a week for 7 weeks. Treatment was stopped after week 3 when doctors determined the cancer was not responding.
✅ Step 5: Chemotherapy – This is where Eric is currently in his fight.
Throughout every phase, Eric and Kim travel weekly to Houston for treatments at MD Anderson. Each trip requiring time away from home, work, and their two children.
Faith-Filled and Fighting Hard
The Spillar family’s strength comes from their deep faith. They are believing for full healing and ask for your prayers as much as your generosity. Eric, Kim, and their children — Brooklynn (13) and Pierce (8), are leaning on God and their community for hope and endurance each day.
How Your Support Helps
Every dollar raised will help cover:
Ongoing medical treatments and medications
Weekly travel expenses to MD Anderson in Houston
Temporary lodging, meals, and caregiving needs
Whether you can give $5 or $500, every gift makes a difference.
If you can’t give financially, please share this page and pray for Eric and his family.
Let’s surround the Spillar family with the same love, strength, and faith they’ve shown so many others.
Together, we can help carry this load.