Eric Nelson Smokey

Eric Nelson Smokey passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 63 in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was an enrolled member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and a lifelong resident of the Carson Valley.

Throughout his life Eric enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing as well as pinenut picking and gathering other traditional native foods. Many of his happiest hours were spent wandering the hills with his loyal canine companion, Gunny, enjoying the quiet splendor of nature. His nieces held a particularly special place in his heart, and he took great pride in supporting and encouraging them throughout their lives. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his family and others whose lives were touched by him.

Eric was the youngest of twelve children born to Carnegie Smokey, Sr. and Flora (Snooks) Smokey. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Hugh, Errol, and Arnold and his sisters Charlotte, Norma, and Jeannie. He is survived by his son, Serrell Smokey of Dresslerville, and daughter, Fawn Hunter of Wadsworth as well as siblings Angie Smokey of Phoenix, AZ, Norrine Smokey-Smith of Portland, OR, Adrienne Smokey Lien of Tacoma, WA and Becky Smokey and Carnegie Smokey, Jr. of Dresslerville.