Eric Andrew Caldwell

Eric Andrew Caldwell, 76, was born on March 8, 1950, to the late Paul Andrew Caldwell and Virginia Caldwell Lofland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Bud Lofland, grandmother, Lucy Deese, who was an integral part of his life and stepsister Lucy Lofland of Newton. Eric passed away on October 25, 2026, at Carolina Caring.

Eric is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sheila Petty Caldwell; son, Brent Caldwell; daughter, Lauren Virginia Caldwell; granddaughter, Maeve Caldwell; sisters, Leida Stewart and Lindy Caldwell; nieces, Paige Phillips and Meredith Stewart, sister-in-law, Sandra Hartsoe and extended family and friends.

Eric’s life was marked by a love of football, music, dancing, and a successful career in sales. He played football at Newton Conover High School in the early 1960s and continued playing at Lees-McRae and Gardner-Webb University, experiences that brought him lifelong friendships and a lasting love of the game. He remained a devoted Chicago Bears fan, watching them until the final days of his life.

Eric enjoyed listening to the music he grew up with, and his favorite band, The Kinks, which earned him the nickname, “Kink.” Eric enjoyed a successful career in sales, working across several industries throughout his professional life. Early in his career, he worked in sales with Yonnex and later held positions with VonDrehle and Dixie Industrial, including serving as a Director of Sales. Sales remained a constant throughout his career, where he built lasting professional relationships along the way.

Over the years, Eric lived in several places, but he was happiest when he returned to Newton, where he spent his final days.

Eric treasured his family and friends, and will be remembered for his humor, laughter, and smile. During his final days, he enjoyed visits from longtime friends and the opportunity to share memories. He told his family and friends that he had lived a full life and was ready to go to his eternal home.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2pm at First United Methodist Church in Newton, with Reverend Josh Sherfey officiating and his long-time friend, Johnny Moretz, who is cherished like a brother. A gathering will follow in fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Johns Hopkins Medicine Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Research Department of Pathology, 550 N. Broadway, Suite 701B, Baltimore, MD 21205.

Condolences may be left at www.willisreynoldsfh.com.

The Caldwell family is under the care of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.