Eric Stephen Runyon

Eric Stephen Runyon was born on July 1, 1962, in Louisville, Kentucky, into a loving and humble family. He was preceded in death by his father, James Runyon, his step-father, Jonn Payne, and leaves behind his devoted mother, Alma Payne.

Eric will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters: James “Jimmy” Runyon, Terrance Lamont Holmes, Mark Payne, and Shari Payne. He is also survived by his beloved aunts and uncles, Gina Adams; Anthony and Alma Adams; and Mark and Becky Adams. His nieces and nephews include Ronald Sanders, Brandon Payne, Tierra Payne, Shim Barker, and Shane Barker, as well as his great-nieces, Eden and Nora. Along with his brother Courtney Orndorff (Jenni), & little Miles, Cheryl Runyon-Stewart, and Karen Runyon.

Above all, Eric cherished his wife, Kim, his fur baby Sheba, and his family. He genuinely cared about the well-being of those he loved. Eric was known for his warm smile, his laughter, and his ability to bring joy into the lives of others. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends and had a positive spirit that helped him face life’s challenges with courage.

Eric was not afraid to learn, grow, and try something new. His willingness to take on challenges led him to learn several different trades and experience many different walks of life. During his years in Kentucky, he even had the opportunity to appear in a major motion picture. He worked in restaurants, at a Marriott hotel and Embassy Suites, in a toy store, a warehouse, and a concrete company, and later held a work-from-home position. Each experience became part of the remarkable story of his life.

One of Eric’s greatest accomplishments, however, was not a job or an earthly achievement. It was his sincere love for the Bible and his desire to know Jehovah. His grandparents, lovingly remembered as Ma Edie and Daddy George, encouraged him early in life to learn about the Scriptures. Eric continued that journey and, on February 9, 1997, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Eric treasured what he learned from the Bible. He believed deeply in its promises and was eager to share what he had learned with his relatives and others. He wanted those he loved to come to know Jehovah, whom he regarded as the only true God. His faith was not simply something he talked about—it was something that gave him hope and strength.

Eric also faced a long and difficult battle with emotional illness. His struggle reminds us that there are battles people may carry every day that others cannot always see. Yet even during some of his most difficult moments, Eric continued to demonstrate courage. While undergoing treatment, he continued to speak about his faith and gave a strong witness about Jehovah. His perseverance in the face of such challenges is a meaningful part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Today, we do not have to remember Eric only through the pain of his final days. We can remember his laughter, his smile, his love for his family, his willingness to keep going, and most importantly, his faith and hope.

Eric is now resting, safe in Jehovah’s memory. And according to the Bible’s promise of the resurrection, this is not the end of his story. There is a time coming when Eric will wake up again. On that day, what a joyful reunion it will be when he sees his beloved wife, Kim, and the family and friends he loved so dearly.

Eric wanted others to know about Jehovah and the hope He gives. So perhaps the most fitting question we can leave with each of us today is the question Eric would have wanted us to consider:

When Eric wakes up in the resurrection, will you be there to welcome him back?

May Eric’s life, his faith, his perseverance, and his love for Jehovah inspire all of us to cherish our loved ones, face our own challenges with courage, and hold firmly to the hope that Eric held so dear.

A Memorial Service for Eric will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 5:00PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 215 County Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30064.

For those unable to attend, the services will be live streamed through the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85211460979

Meeting ID

852 1146 0979

Password

216700

Dial in number

929-205-6099