Eric Thomas Garland

Eric Thomas Garland was born on March 16, 1987 in Winter Haven, Florida. He lived in Florida for the first 12 years of his life then moved to Schroon Lake, New York with his family. Eric graduated salutatorian from Schroon Lake Central School. After high school, Eric attended and graduated from the Word of Life Bible Institute before earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Baptist Bible College in Clark Summit, Pennsylvania. He had accepted Jesus as his Savior as a child and followed his calling to the ministry. In 2014, Eric earned the Master of Theology from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Eric met Krissie Lain while they were both attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They married at Krissie’s home church (Paramount Baptist in Amarillo) on March 12, 2011. Eric served for 7 years in Children’s Pastor and Family Pastor positions in various Texas churches. He also served as Assistant Director of Student Life at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. Eric is survived by his loving wife, Krissie Lain Garland and their precious twins, Joah Shepherd and Selah Grace; by his parents, Ric and Ellen Garland; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Janet Larkin; his paternal grandparents, Paul and Carol Garland; his sisters, Nicole Golden and husband Bryant and their children Brooke, Ryder and Braxton, and Shannon Yatsevich and husband Jordan. Also surviving Eric are his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gil and Mary Lain; brothers-in-law, Caleb Lain and wife Lacy and their children, Sparrow and Israel, Cody Lain and wife Elizabeth and their children, Luke, Ellie, and Levi. Eric will be missed by many friends (youth, children and adults), whose lives were touched by his ministry. Eric had a unique gift of meeting people easily and making them feel special. He was fun loving and full of life. He was an avid sports fan. He loved to fish. He enjoyed snorkeling. He was a devoted husband, loving son and brother, awesome father, fun brother-in-law, faithful friend and amazing uncle (Uncle E). Eric loved to speak and teach and preach the Word of God and talk to people about Jesus. Our greatest comfort is knowing that Eric is with his Lord Jesus in heaven at this moment (2 Cor. 5:8), we believe holding their unborn baby daughter, being in awe of the majesty and presence of Jesus. We are confident that we as followers of Christ will see him again. We will miss Eric every day. Thank you for your prayers and concern. A visitation for Eric is scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, TX 75703. The memorial service is on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Whitehouse. Donations can be made in Eric's name at www.fundley.com

Eric Thomas Garland

March 16, 1987 - January 4, 2019