Eric loved and cared for his family more than anything else.  I will always remember him for his kindness, his sense of humor and how deeply he loved his family.  He lightened up a room and made the world a better place.  I am grateful for having known him and I can see the positive impact he has made on all those who he touched.

So sorry for your loss Michelle. I know how the struggle with cancer is when its someone so close to you, Bobby(my husband) fought till the very end. 6/25 will be 2 years and the loss is still there. 
Just remember you made all the right decisions and He is now at peace.
Prayers for you, the Boys and Elizabeth 
Alice Saylor-Yarber

When I met your family 22 years ago I didn't know that we would have a lifelong bond. I always remember babysitting the boys when they were little and "not telling the family" that we were there.  Over the years I am thankful that we were able to meet at our spot, Cracker Barrell, anytime one of us was passing through. I'll never forget Jason and Michael getting stuck on that ride at Dollywood and riding the roller coaster with Andrew. You have raised a beautiful family that we cherish. Eric, we will miss your positive outlook on life. The world would be a better place if there were more people like you! When I think of the word Jolly, I see an image of you.  We always have a special place in our hearts for the Ward Family and we miss you terribly! Sending lots of love! 
~The Loopy Crew 

When I first met Eric, I was interviewing for a position at RSC and was extremely nervous.  As soon as I shook hands with Eric and saw his infectious smile, my nervousness left, and I was left with the feeling of talking to someone I had known for years.  Since that day, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Eric for almost 7 years, and  through those years, Eric has proven to be a man that is a great mentor, colleague, and friend.  You could always count on Eric to help on something, even when he wasn't involved in the project.  When he wasn't working on work related issues, Eric was either talking about his family, or asking you about yours.  He was truly genuine and the same Eric anywhere you interacted with him.  In reading through some of the kind words that have been said about Eric, I can confidently say that he has left a huge hole in many hearts, both locally and all over the world.  I cling to the hope  that Eric is without pain, sadness, grief, and discomfort, and is now full of joy, renewal, and praise, resting in the arms of his Great Shephard, Jesus. We love you, Eric, and you will be sorely missed.  Until we meet again...

The memories I have of my uncle go back as far as I can remember, and he was the one that left all us kids in stitches every single time. Whether he was instigating shenanigans by taping extra batteries to our very loud Christmas gifts "just in case the noise runs out" or joking with his siblings to see how flustered he could make them - the laughs were always in abundance. Uncle Eric always made great strides to visit with us or be present in celebrating our milestones. I never could have had enough time joking around with him, but his infectious love of life continues to burn brightly in every life he touched. 

I am so sorry for the loss of Eric.  He was one of the good guys and the world is a lesser place without him.  My condolences to all the family and my prayers will continue for each of you.
Special thoughts to you Michele.

I worked with Eric for several years. I will always remember him as a fun, generous, inquisitive, and intelligent person that welcomed  everyone. He loved his wife and and family and was very proud of them. They were his pride and joy. God’s goodness, within Eric encouraged everyone who knew him. He will be missed. 
I will be praying for the family,
Mike Jacoby 

When I was 23 and fresh out of graduate school, I began my career in special education working with Michael.  The Ward home was the first of thousands I would eventually walk into.  Eric was ever present and just as involved in Michael’s progress as his wife, Michele.  This set a precedence and expectation in my naivety that all fathers would be present for meetings, therapies, consultations, and ongoing communication about their child.  However, I soon learned that Eric was the exception, not the rule.   Eric’s level of participation, eagerness to learn, and overall direct involvement with Michal was unparalleled, even to this day after meeting so many others.  He loved all his children with all his heart and it showed.

To Eric’s family I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one.   

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet and work with Eric.  We have worked together on several different projects, and I always admire how he will always take the extra effort to explain and guide us through each project succeed.   Although the time were cut short but it was good friendship with some great memories & good laughs together, especially on the last trip you were here in town.  Outside of work he also taught me a few things about being a good father when my 1st child was born.  Thank you.  

You will truly be missed, rest in peace big fella.  


To Eric's family i am sorry  for your loss. Eric was one of the best friends i had a Radio System  i have been here going on 20 yrs now and he would always  come out to the warehouse just to check on me and leave me with a smile He was one of the best buds i had he will truly be miss by me and all  at RSC                                                                                             
  
May you rest in peace now my friend.

I am so sorry to hear about you loss Andrew. You father sounds like a wonderful person. I hope you will take comfort knowing that you possess his positive traits,. He will live on in you and all those he influenced. 
My sincerest condolences,
Dr. Maples

Andrew, I am so deeply sorry to hear of the death of your father. Just reading the obituary, I can see what a wonderful and incredible person he was, and I can see how you will miss him immeasurably in your life. My sympathy is with you and your family. Everyone at University Eye Specialists who worked with you is thinking about you with great sadness today. 

 

Andrew, so sorry to hear the passing of your dad. Prayers for you and your family. 


Eric was considered as part of our family, as he always had a jovial attitude, big smile, and encouraging words when around him.  He & his entire family are some of the best people you can ever hope to come across in your journey of life. I send my love to all of his family as my heart hurts with the loss of such a great person, and I know that he  will be with each of us in as a soulful spirit of love. 
-Jason Lupardus

I worked with Eric at Radio Systems for about 5 years and he was one of the nicest, kindest persons I had the pleasure to work with. I am a Quality Engineer and Eric always took the time with me to explain the workings of his product designs and help me to troubleshoot returns from customers. He was always patient and worked with a smile. I will miss him.

Dear Rebecca, Andy and Family, 

May God’s promises bring peace and comfort to your hearts until that day when you are all reunited with your brother in God’s heavenly kingdom. 

With deepest sympathy, 

Marilyn Ault

Eric and I have been friends since our time at Central High School. He was always outgoing and the ultimate optimist. We enjoy many years in the marching band and somehow endured band camps together at Maryville College. He will be sorely missed and thought of often. See you again my friend! Scott Carris

My name is Donald Weghorst and I would love to express my deepest sympathy for the passing of Eric he was an amazing person. Back in January my wife Lela passed and through all her months of sickness Eric with all he was going through took the time to express his concerns for us you are all in my prayers and I greave with you.

Oh sweet Ward family, my heart breaks for you. How blessed we all are to have known and loved Eric. My sweet brother from another mother. We got to know your family through his warm ness and smile and will forever cherish the times spent at our Christmas parties, building LEGO and learning to appreciate the simple beauty in a 1970’s boombox!

Last Summer, Eric was struggling with sleep on your way out to Texas and I was up with a troubled dog (now in Heaven). Eric and I messaged in the night, just talking about silly things, heavy things, life, death, family, love and everything in between. Forever grateful for that connection during a dark time.

His loss will change us all forever, but I wish you all a long line of people who bring sunshine to you like he did to all who knew him.

Big love.

Hi I'm Jorge Romo from IRM-Mexico and also an Eric's friend, Eric and I did work together to implement some RSC products in Mexico, I remember him as a gently person.

Eric´s family please receive my sincere condolences in this hard time.

Michele, thinking of you and the kids.  I only met Eric once when y'all were in Atlanta for a visit.  He was such a nice and sweet man. Praying for you and family.    Peggy Noland 

A warrior fought his illness so hard but always kept his smile!

the ball launcher developed by Eric has brought tens of thousands of dogs and their owners a lot of fun and a healthier lifestyle.

Years ago, I asked the whole team to write down the characters for the others. in the end, each one knows why he is so important and needed. The attached pictures were why we love Eric at work back in 2016 and 2019.

OBITUARY

Eric Alexander Ward

9 February, 1964 – 13 June, 2022

Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home

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