Eric Emery McCollett

WEST GARDINER – Eric Emery McCollett, 55, of West Gardiner, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 20, 2024.

Born on March 3, 1969, in Gardiner, Eric attended Gardiner Area High School. He was a communications specialist with the Army Rangers and served honorably from 1991-1996 during the time of the Iraq war.

Eric will be remembered for his dedication to his family. He is survived by his children Brett, Brylee, Brooke, and Emma; his mother Barbara; his siblings Mary, Peter, Barbara, Chris, Kurt, and Tony; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Peter and his brothers Steven and Brett.

Eric was well known for his tender heart. He loved being with his girls and was an attentive and loving caregiver and companion for his mom. He knew a wealth of trivia, he was a huge Mash fan, and he was a whizz at Wheel of Fortune. Eric was musically gifted and could pick up an instrument and play by ear. He loved to sing and especially enjoyed leading worship at church.

Through his job at TMDE, he worked closely with first responders and had great respect for law enforcement. Eric was well known for being a talker and always had a kind and encouraging word for everyone. In the last five years, the Lord was doing an amazing work in his heart, and he had rededicated his life to the service of God. His compassionate heart drew him to those in greatest need and a driving force in his life became sharing the gospel and his testimony. He worshipped with his family at South Gardiner Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be held at South Gardiner Baptist Church on June 1 at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow.

Eric, you have fought the good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith. You are at rest with your Savior and Lord. Like the ripples of a stone dropped in a lake, the effects of your life will continue to impact those whose lives you touched. We love you and we miss you.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

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