Eric William Darden

Eric William Darden, 23, was born on December 2, 1991 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Shirley Ann Balen Darden and Joseph Darden, Sr., of Philadelphia. Eric and his brothers, Joe Darden, Jr. and Drew Darden and their grandparents, Allen and Joan Balen, are all of Apex.

Eric graduated from Apex High School and had attended Wake Technical College. He was currently employed with Harris Teeter. Eric enjoyed his Philadelphia sports teams (the Flyers, Eagles and the Phillies) in that order. When not hooting and hollering over a touchdown or a blown chance at a goal, he enjoyed getting into the boat with his grandfather trying to find the big fish in ​Harris and Jordan lakes. Oddly enough, Eric enjoyed cleaning peoples houses to an obsession. Most of all, Eric loved to make people laugh and feel good about themselves. He always had a smile, a goofy antic, a silly dance, or a dare at his own expense for the purpose of sharing his spark for life. Eric's love and devotion to his family was unmoving. Whether it was cleaning up after dinner or watching his niece and nephew, or again cleaning a house, he was there. Eric will always be there.

He is survived by his grandparents: Allen Balen, Joan Eva Balen, Iola Darden; his father: Joseph Hugh Darden Sr.; brothers: Joseph Hugh Darden Jr. and Drew Allen Darden; his uncles: Kurt Balen, Steven (Christine Marie) Balen, Michael Darden and Richard Darden; aunts: Sharon Gilhuly, Michelle Moore, Dawn Nieves, Doris Mackay, Ginny Darden and Helen Deminski; cousins: Austin Balen, Savannah Balen, Cameron Balen of Apex; and many cousins in the Philadelphia area.

Eric joins his mother Shirley Ann Balen-Darden and his great grandparents: Sidney and Shirley Balen in the graces of heaven.