Eric Ray Chavis

Eric Ray Chavis “Tutty”, of Eastover, passed away peacefully at Morning Star Special Care on October 24th, 2021. Eric was born in Fairmont, NC on April 2nd, 1950 to William T. Chavis and Anna B. (Locklear) Chavis.

Eric attended Les Maxwell School for Indians until integrated into Central High School, where he graduated. He attended and graduated from Pembroke College. Like his father before him, he entered into the Navy. Eric went from enlisted to commissioned officer after being accepted and graduating from Officer’s Candidate School on September 30, 1977. He served as a radio operator on submarines. Later, stationed at Dam Neck VA, he served as a surface warfare officer. Leaving active duty, he transferred to the reserves. Eric received the National Defense Service medal, Good Conduct medal, Navy and Marine Corps Expeditionary medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Sea Service ribbon. Following in his footsteps, Eric’s grandson Brian E. Brooks would later enter into the Navy.

Eric was a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe. He enjoyed working with Native Americans to promote contracts between the Native Americans and the federal government. Eric was well respected among his peers.

Eric was a member of Freedom Biker Church of Vander. Eric enjoyed spending his time at the New York Restaurant daily with friends and staff. He was an avid collector of comic books from a young age. He enjoyed the art of nostalgic oral storytelling. Everyone enjoyed the recounts of his past.

Eric was a proud father and grandfather. He enjoyed nothing more than to spend time with his grandchildren and attending their school activities. Eric was loyal to friends and family.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wes & Marie (Singo) Locklear; his father, William Thaddeus Chavis; his mother, Anna Bell “Bob” (Locklear) Singleton; his brothers, William Thomas Chavis, Mitchell Dwight Chavis, and James Wayne Singleton; and his daughter, Weslyn Ray Chavis.

He is survived by his brother, Bonifacio Traje of Fayetteville; sisters, Anna Maria Singleton of Fayetteville and Lisa Harrison of Shannon, MS; daughter, Saundra Lynn (Chavis) Holland of Wade; and six grandchildren, Brian Everett Brooks of Eastover; Shelby Renee Horne of Fayetteville; John-Alton Wesley Horne of Fayetteville; Dylan Scott Tallant of Wade; Katrina Marie (Hagen) Green of Ramseur; and Olivia Madison Holland of Wade.

Eric Chavis was well taken care of by the staff of Amedisys Hospice and the staff of Morning Star Memory Care.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 2 pm at Dogwood Baptist Church Cemetery, 520 Dogwood Church Road, Rowland NC 28383.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, October 27, from 5 to 8 pm at Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Amedisys Foundation at 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.