Eric Smith

Eric Todd Smith died January 28, 2022, at Northeast Medical Center. He was born October 8, 1963, in Concord, NC, to Robert Houston Smith and Shirley Johnston Smith. He grew up in Concord and graduated from Concord High School, where he participated in football, wrestling, track, swimming, and the school band. After high school, Eric attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he studied architecture. In 1984 Eric joined the United States Air Force as an Administrative Specialist, where he earned the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

Eric married his high school sweetheart, Penny Ellis Overcash, on May 26, 1984. They were happily married for 36 years and raised three daughters together. Penny passed away November 25, 2019. Penny’s death left Eric heartbroken. He missed his “darlin” so much. He spoke of her often and was sure to remind their grandchildren of the memories they shared with her.

Eric worked for Wells Fargo as a Senior Technology Business Services Consultant. He was a dedicated employee for many years.

Eric was deeply devoted to his faith and truly enjoyed worshiping at Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church. He grew up attending Poplar Tent and was beloved by so many, as so many were beloved by him. During his time at the church, he served as a ruling elder, served on the communications team, assisted on the pastoral search committee, served on the cemetery committee, ran the puppet ministry during COVID lockdown, and was head of media for the church. His favorite day of the week was Sunday, when he sat on the back row of his church, making sure everyone, near or far, was able to participate in worship.

Eric was a loving and dutiful father and grandfather. He volunteered often and was heavily involved in his girls’ and grandkids’ extra-curricular activities. He was well known throughout the Girl Scout community as “Cookie Dad,” and he never missed one of his grandkids’ games. The true epitome of a family man, “Papaw” was certainly his favorite and most admired title.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters and sons-in-law Amber Nichole Smith, Melissa Anne and Kyle P. Hogan, and Erica Lynne and Benjamin H. Verner; grandchildren Antonio Isaiah Smith, Amber Tychole Hooper, Kailen Arnaz Oakes, and Joan Ellis Hogan; sister Kimberly Anne Gibson; and brothers Michael Lee Smith, Patrick Houston Smith, Kevin Scott Smith, and Wesley Kent Smith.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Building. The family only will gather for a private moment at Penny’s gravesite immediately after the memorial service. The family asks that memorial gifts be made to Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church or The Kidney Foundation.

Eric’s daughters are incredibly grateful for the love and support they have received. Eric’s visitation and memorial service will be open to friends, family, colleagues, and church members. PLEASE do not attend if you are feeling ill in any way. If you are not vaccinated against COVID, the family strongly urges you to not attend or to wear a face covering.