Eric Schanbel

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

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

While in Murfreesboro, he met the love of his life, Tasha Zeo, who he later married atop a beautiful Colorado mountain at sunrise. He proudly became an instant father to Tasha’s son Draven Hollingshead, and in 2017 welcomed their newborn son Waylon James Schnabel into the world who was 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 to work as a small tool mechanic for Sunbelt Rentals and later, as a wholesale flower dispatcher/delivery driver for KD Company. 

Eric had a knack for drawing people to him through his conversation, quick wit, and genuineness.  With his kind and empathetic nature, he was able to see the best in people and truly 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, always perfecting his craft. He was also very talented in the arts, which was evident through his artwork pieces, his enjoyment of playing the guitar, and a deep love of music. Music was a huge part of his life; he created playlists for everything whether it was everyday life or special occasions. This love and knowledge of music spanned various genres, and he seemed to know the words and artists of every song. 

He had a deep-rooted philosophical side that some would not realize because he was   uniquely and hilariously funny. He loved bringing humor to the room through his fun-loving antics and humorous facial expressions, he found joy in making others laugh. 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, his 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 and Aunts, cousins, and friends old and new who were his extended

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