Walter “Eric” Pence, 69, of Cleveland, N.C., passed away April 3, 2023, after a long journey with Parkinson’s disease. The son of Roy Pence and Lelia Reavis Pence, Eric was born in Salisbury, N.C., at Rowan Regional Hospital on February 17, 1954.
Eric graduated from West Rowan High School in 1972 and from N.C. State University in 1976 and again in 1979, with degrees in wildlife biology and animal sciences. Eric was a member of Old Providence Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder.
After graduation from college, Eric returned to take over the family farm. He was known for his work ethic and tremendous strength, whether wrestling with college roommates, throwing hay bales or carrying baby calves.
Eric loved his farm and the outdoors. In younger years, he hosted many school field trips, complete with calf feeding, reptile showings and elaborate hay mazes. He gave innumerable four-wheeler rides to his daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. A kind and thoughtful man, he had great appreciation for nature and the preservation of land. His interests included a deep love for birds, and he was able to identify any by sight or sound. He also excelled at family and wildlife photography, and his slide shows were a special event for the extended family.
Eric was preceded in death by a beloved brother-in-law, Neil Davis; and nephew, Robert Davis.
He is survived by wife of 41 years, Carla Raffety Pence; daughters, Rachel Smith (Justin), Rebecca Patton (Sean), and Leslie Barcena (Hunter); and grandchildren Scott, Julia, and Ada. Also cherishing his memory are siblings Roy Pence Jr. (Monica), Anice Griffin (Phil), Elaine Davis (Neil), Yvonne Fletcher (Gene), and Trent Pence (Janet); and many nephews and nieces.
The family would like to extend special thanks to cousin and life-long friend Walter Pence (Pat), his son, Matthew, and Wayne Ellis, who continue to farm on the family land, and to his caretakers, Linda Binkley, Jan Steele, and the staff at Rosewood Assisted Living Facility.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville, with funeral services on Saturday, April 15, at 4 p.m. at Old Providence Presbyterian Church, 5140 S. River Church Road., Cleveland, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Old Providence Presbyterian Church, The National Audubon Society, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, or Three Rivers Land Trust.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Pence family.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Dr. Pence: I am so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing ? He was such a sweet and humble man. Hugs, love, and prayers for you and your family. May God give you peace and comfort at this time ?
To the Pence Family: My thoughts and prayers I send to them Family. I never knew your father, but I heard about him through your mother.
I feel so blessed to have had a chance to meet such a wonderful man. I knew the first day I met him that he was special in his own little way. He had so many loved ones that loved him so much. My prayers are with family that God will comfort your hearts in this difficult time.
Dr. Pence and family: So very sorry for your great loss! May God strengthen and comfort you.
Dr. Pence and family: So sorry for loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Pence: We are so sad to hear of your husband’s passing. May God be beside you and your family during this difficult time. Penny Laws and Peggy Huffstickler
Sorry to learn of your loss. I have known you in a professional sense for many years via Davis Hospital. My hope for you and your family to find comfort in each other and keep your memories in your hearts. Sharon Marlow (3rd floor wc).
Dr. Pence: I am so sorry to hear about your loss! My prayers are with you and your family!
Pam Moore, IMH-ICU