Eric Scott Lentz

Eric Scott Lentz, 62, of Spencer, entered the Church Triumphant on Friday, January 18, 2013, at Hospice House in Lexington. Born August 12, 1950, in Salisbury, Eric was the son of the late Norman Clyde Lentz and Lula Mae Stallings Lentz. He was a 1968 graduate of East Rowan High School and a 1972 graduate of N.C. State University with a degree in furniture manufacturing and design. He was a horticultural instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. As part of his career, he worked at his father’s jewelry store, Norman’s. Eric loved to be outdoors and loved growing flowers and plants, so he especially enjoyed the time he spent working at Rufty’s Garden Shop. As soon as Eric met you, you were his friend. His big smile and boisterous laughter were contagious. You could not spend time with Eric and come away in a bad mood. Eric was big and tall, and his bear hugs were legendary. He was often the last person leaving church because he took time to greet nearly everyone. Eric had a servant’s heart, and was always on the lookout for what he could do to help others. Eric and his wife, Kim, joined St. John’s Lutheran Church in the fall of 2011, where they quickly became active members. Eric was a member of the Property Committee and was on the ballot for Congregation Council at the time of his illness. He and Kim were members of the Genesis Sunday School class. Eric was a member of Spencer Civitans, Spencer Community Appearance Commission, Citizens for Historic Spencer and the Spencer Hometown Holidays Committee. He was a Rowan County and North Carolina Master Gardener. He was a member of Rowan Partners for Education, and the Building and Grounds Committee for Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Survivors include his wife, Kim Everhart Lentz, whom he married March 22, 1981; daughter Meredith Williams and her husband, Jonathan, of Spencer; son Nicholas Lentz and his wife, Mariah, of Richlands; sisters Rita Bigham of Chapel Hill and Myra Redding of Pulaski, Va.; and grandson Ashton Williams. A celebration of Eric’s life is set for 3 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with visitation to follow in the fellowship hall. A private inurnment will take place in the church’s columbarium. Memorials may be made to the Music Department of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144. We could not have Eric back the way he was, and so we let him go to be welcomed into the mighty embrace of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Savior. But remember: each time you share a smile, or give a big hug, or laugh too loud, or do something for someone who truly needs you, you are continuing Eric’s legacy. So get out there and get to work!

Eric Scott Lentz

August 12, 1950 - January 18, 2013