My brother Eric lost his battle with addiction, and my heart is heavy as I share this. He was fighting his demons for a long time, and although he is now at peace, the pain of his loss is overwhelming. Eric was more than just my brother, he was my confidant, someone I always turned to for advice. He was incredibly smart, wise beyond his years, and had a love for music that was unmatched. Being part of the high school band at Gaither was one of his greatest joys, and he spoke about it with so much pride. He was also a wonderful uncle to my children, always dreaming big and encouraging those around him to do the same.

Reading the comments from his friends on Facebook, I see how much he meant to so many people. The common theme is clear: 'Eric was a good guy.' I was always proud to say he was my brother. Now, as we face the difficult task of saying goodbye, I want to honor his memory with a proper farewell and a celebration of his life. The funds raised will help cover funeral expenses and allow us to gather together to remember Eric for the amazing person he was.

This is a very hard time for me and my dad, and we are grateful for any support, whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or a kind word. Thank you for helping us honor Eric’s memory and for being there for our family.