Eric Stratton

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) says, Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

On December 2, 1970, God blessed Robert and Mary Brown Stratton (both deceased) and this world with Eric. He was born in Charlottesville, VA, and raised in Nelson County, VA with his five siblings: Diane, Robert, William, Vernon, and Olivia (Libby).

On May 8, 2024, our beloved fiancé, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend transitioned to Glory. He took his wings and entered into the presence of the Lord, where he is now at eternal rest.    

Eric accepted Christ at an early age. As a youth, he was a member of Montreal Baptist Church in Shipman, VA. Eric graduated from Nelson County High School where he played football and found his culinary talent following in the footsteps of his parents. He brought joy and laughter to all those he encountered. He prided himself on taking care of and loving his family. When asked to take on any task the word “No” was never an option. With his Fiancé Erica, he attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA where he was very excited to start a new beginning and help the church by using his passion for cooking.

Eric was a passionate Master Chef creating the finest cuisines for work and special events. He loved his family through cooking which brought him great joy. From fine cuisines to soul food, he cooked from his heart and constantly told stories and cracked jokes during the process. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, win or lose, and he always wore his favorite Cowboys hat or jersey. He was also a homegrown MacGyver where he learned his skills from his father and big brothers to fix anything. Eric was also a hard working and dedicated employee at EECO Electrical Company, where he worked as a warehouse supervisor and loved the team as his family. 

Eric was no stranger to anyone. He loved to talk and tell endless stories which were best sellers that were never written, but always kept us laughing. He gave all his siblings nicknames: Diane (Big Sis), Robert (Big Brother), William (Bob), Vernon (Byrd), and Olivia (Baby Sis). His “crew” was his special brotherhood that journeyed through life together from childhood until the very end. Through the ups and downs of life, he found his true-self surrounded with purpose, love, and always taking time to mentor the next generation to make wise choices and avoid unnecessary struggles.

Eric lived life to the fullest for the 53 years we were blessed to have him. He leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved Fiancé Erica Atkinson; his children: Erica Stratton, Eriaunna Stratton, Tyrin Turner, Khya Turner, Shaquan Atkinson, Shanaz Daniels, and Myeia Washington; his grandchildren: Kevin Turner, Lillie and Hazel Headley; his Mother-in-love Madeline Atkinson; his siblings: Diane Qualls, Olivia Baker (Robert), Robert Stratton (Catherine), William Stratton (Debbie), Vernon Stratton (Rhonda); nieces and nephews: Cammillia Campbell, Allen Stratton (Pace), Alfreda Campbell, Danny  Stratton (Nicole), TreMayne Martin (Jade), Octavia Stratton, Derrell Qualls, Justan Stratton, Jonathan Stratton, Jaiden Stratton; great nieces and nephews: Amiah Ayres, Natalie Spencer, Hannah Stratton, McKayla Stratton, McKenzie Stratton; extended family Sonya Harris, Will & Tonya Taylor, Carlita Ellison, Samantha and Antione Harris, Ashley Harris, Jermaine Jackson, Cyrus McClendon, Aamir Harris, Lamont & Anita Lacy, Bryant Hilton; a special Aunt-in-love Ellen Trent (Remus); the Atkinson & Snell Family; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

Eric’s second chance in life allowed him to leave a legacy of family, love, joy, strength, cooking, and brotherhood. To honor his legacy, his family will carry his torch for his children and continue to tell his stories so he will always be remembered. But mostly, the family will remember him as his mother’s “Sweet Pea.” To God be the Glory forever and ever!

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, 8408 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA 22949 with Pastor Alvin Scott officiating. A public viewing will be held at the church one hour before the time of service.

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Interment will follow in the Stratton Family Cemetery in Shipman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).