Walter "Eric" Pence, age 69, of Cleveland, NC, passed away April 3, 2023, after a long journey with Parkinson's Disease. The son of Roy Pence and Lelia Reavis Pence, Eric was born in Salisbury, at Rowan Regional Hospital, on February 17, 1954.
Eric graduated from West Rowan High School in 1972, and from NC State University in 1976, and again in 1979, with degrees in wildlife biology and animal sciences. Eric was a member of Old Providence Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder.
After graduation from college, Eric returned to take over the family farm. He was known for his work ethic and tremendous strength- whether wrestling with college roommates, throwing hay bales or carrying baby calves.
Eric loved his farm and the outdoors. In younger years, he hosted many school field trips, complete with calf feeding, reptile showings and elaborate hay mazes. He gave innumerable four-wheeler rides to his daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. A kind and thoughtful man, he had great appreciation for nature and the preservation of land. His interests included a deep love for birds, and he was able to identify any by sight or sound. He also excelled at family and wildlife photography, and his slide shows were a special event for the extended family.
Eric was preceded in death by a beloved brother-in-law, Neil Davis, and nephew, Robert Davis. He is survived by wife of 41 years, Carla Raffety Pence, daughters Rachel Smith (Justin), Rebecca Patton (Sean), Leslie Barcena (Hunter), and grandchildren Scott, Julia, and Ada. Also cherishing his memory are siblings Roy Pence, Jr. (Monica), Anice Griffin (Phil), Elaine Davis (Neil), Yvonne Fletcher (Gene), and Trent Pence (Janet), and many nephews and nieces.
The family would like to extend special thanks to cousin, and life-long, friend Walter Pence (Pat), his son, Matthew, and Wayne Ellis, who continue to farm on the family land, and to his caretakers, Linda Binkley, Jan Steele, and the staff at Rosewood Assisted Living Facility.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville, with funeral services on Saturday, April 15, at 4:00 PM, at Old Providence Presbyterian Church, 5140 S. River Church Rd., Cleveland, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Old Providence Presbyterian Church, The National Audubon Society, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, or Three Rivers Land Trust.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Pence family.
