Eric Karl Ludwig

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Eric Karl Ludwig, aged 58 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He died unexpectedly in the hospital within a couple of days of his admittance.

He was born on November 23, 1967 in Gahanna, Ohio, and was a 1986 graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School in Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1992.

He taught industrial technology in coastal North Carolina for 30 years, beginning his teaching career at Richlands High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina, which is located near Camp Lejeune, and after a hurricane caused him to relocate, continued teaching until retirement in Myrtle Grove Middle School in Wilmington, North Carolina. He had a strong belief in giving everyone a chance to participate, both in his classroom and in his coaching, advocating for the inclusion of everyone on his lacrosse team that wanted to play. With this philosophy, he was able to take his team to state championships. His former players described him as a wonderful coach and man and how his instruction helped shape their lives. He was instrumental in helping the Science Olympiad members complete their projects for their competitions.

He loved fishing, including surf fishing on family beach vacations in Hatteras, North Carolina and in later years with his close friend, Brad, in the Cape Fear River in Wilmington. They had many memorable fishing trips, but at the same time, took care of some serious business tagging fish. The two of them helped provide data for a stock assessment for the Division of Marine Fisheries. He also went on chartered fishing trips with family and friends.

He was a talented wood worker and a man of all trades which made him a sought-after handyman and remodeler. He loved animals, except the squirrels who kept eating all of the pecans from his trees. His favorite animals were his dogs though, with a special soft spot for rescues. He had a very good relationship with his neighbor, Mike, who also has a soft spot for animals and has chosen to adopt Eric's beloved dog, Quinn. Eric was also the type of person who would do anything he could to help anyone who needed it.

He will be deeply missed by his mother, Arline Ludwig, originally from Gahanna, Ohio, his brothers Mark Ludwig of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina and Kent Ludwig (Robin Ludwig) of Marengo, Ohio, his sister, Beth Ludwig Wilke (Jim Wilke) of Gahanna, Ohio, as well as many cousins, coworkers, students, lacrosse players and friends.

Considering Eric's personality, no formal services will be held, but we ask that he be remembered in your hearts and celebrated in your own way. We think he would have loved having people make a toast to him while sharing fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in his memory to ASPCA.