With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eric Alan Schnabel, 40, of Garner NC, June 30, 2026, at Transitions Life Care, while amongst family and following an extended stay at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Eric battled aggressive cancer for 3 years with extreme bravery and strength. Although he left us too soon, his light and love will remain in our hearts forever.

Born on October 6, 1985, in Lebanon, Tn, Eric mostly grew up in Talbott and Morristown. He was a 2004 graduate of Morristown West High, attended Walters State, and later moved to Murfreesboro where he studied at Watkins College of Art and MTSU.

While in Murfreesboro, he met and married the love of his life, Tasha Zeo. He proudly became a father to her son Draven, and later welcomed their son Waylon into the world, the apple of his eye. The family they created became the nucleus and focus of Eric’s life. They later moved to and made their home in Garner, NC, where he continued his career with Sunbelt Rentals, then KD Company.

Eric had a knack for drawing people to him through his conversation, quick wit, and genuineness. His kind and empathetic nature allowed him to see the best in people; he had a heart of gold. Highly loyal to family and friends, he enjoyed showing his love to others through his excellent cooking and grilling skills. He was also very talented in the arts, evident through his artwork pieces, enjoyment of playing the guitar, and his deep love of music. Music was huge in his life; he created playlists for every occasion and knew the words and artists of nearly every song.

He had a deep-rooted philosophical side that some would not realize because he was so genuinely funny. Eric loved bringing humor and joy to the room through his fun-loving antics and hilarious facial expressions. That humor is instilled in the memories of most everyone who knew him. One of his friends summed it up so well in that he had the amazing ability to be so funny and serious at the same time.

Eric leaves behind his wife Tasha Schnabel and son Waylon of Garner, NC, Step-Son Draven Hollingshead of VT, his Father Barry (Doris) Schnabel of TN, his Mother Teresa (Jimmy) Ussery of SC, Mother-in-Law Donna Zeo of VT, Sister and best friend Alicia (Joey) Christian of OR, Step-sister Shelly (Craig) Faling of SC, Brother-in-Law Todd Zeo of CA, Grandmothers Lois Schnabel, Shelby Peterson and Camilla Brooks, several special Uncles, Aunts, cousins, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by Grandfathers John Schnabel, James Brooks, and Pete Peterson, and Father-in-law Gary Zeo.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Eric on October 3rd in Cato Tn, where upon his request he will return to the hills that he loved, and grew up visiting. A memorial stone will be erected in his honor at the Dixon Springs Cemetery; another Celebration will be held in NC. Eric is forever loved, missed, and remembered.