Eric Charles McConnell

Eric Charles McConnell, 52, of Charlotte, NC, passed away suddenly from a heart attack while on vacation in Aruba with his beloved wife and close friends on May 12, 2025. In the days before his passing, he’d been snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying the natural beauty of one of his favorite places.

Born in Greensboro, NC in 1972 to Charles and Karen McConnell, Eric moved with his family to Forest, VA in 1988 and graduated from Jefferson Forest High School in 1989. He earned his degree in communications from James Madison University in 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle; children Lucas, Aaron, Mara, and Mary; daughter-in-law Jayvia Owens; parents Charles and Karen McConnell of Charlotte, NC; and sister Lindsey McConnell and her husband David Wallace of Fort Mill, SC. He is also remembered with love by many friends who cherished his humor, generosity, and steadfast friendship.

Eric met Robin “Michelle” McConnell in 1990, and the two married in 1993. For nearly 32 years, they built a joyful, supportive, and unwavering partnership. Michelle remembers being fiercely loved and cared for, never doubting Eric’s unshakeable devotion to her happiness and well-being.

He was the proud and devoted father of Lucas, Aaron, Mara, and Mary McConnell, and cherished father-in-law to Jayvia Owens. His children remember him as the kind of dad everyone wishes they had—committed, present, protective, and hilariously funny. He is also missed by his precious puppers, Rocket and Suki, who were constant companions, and his grand-kitties Sun Chip and Moon Pie.

Eric had a lifelong love of science fiction, comics, martial arts, and the Boy Scouts. He earned black belts in two martial arts disciplines and was proud to be an Eagle Scout. Though his professional career in fraud prevention included successful tenures at Bank of America and Wells Fargo, his true passion was art. Eric was an exceptionally talented comic artist whose work was featured by Marvel, DC, and Perna Studios. He was also the creator, writer, and illustrator of the original comic series Remnant, and a favorite at conventions for his imaginative commissions and kindness to fans.

Eric lived with passion, humor, and a deep commitment to making the world a more just and compassionate place. Whether you knew him well or met him only once, you left feeling better for it.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held on Sunday, May 25 at 1:00 PM at McEwen Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262. All are welcome, and guests are encouraged to dress however they feel most comfortable. A gathering will follow at Armored Cow Brewing, 8821 JW Clay Blvd #1, Charlotte, NC 28262.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to support Eric and Michelle’s children through the following fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-eric-mcconnells-family-through-this-tragedy