Eric Morgan Jr.

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the path of righteousne for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy sta they cfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with

oil. My cup runneth over. Surely gdne and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

I think I’m an alien because you humans are weirdos. If anybody sees a spaceship again learn me something I gotta get home.

September 2, 2025

F RIDAY , S EPTEMBER 19, 2025 11:00 AM F RIENDSHIP -W EST B APTIST C HURCH 2020 W W HEATLAND R D , D ALLAS , TX 75232 D R . F REDERICK D OUGLASS H AYNES , III, P ASTOR R EV . C HLOÉ D AWSON , O FFICIANT P ROCESSIONAL

H YMN OF C OMFORT …….………….. ”I Shall Wear A Crown” - Tiffany Weathers O LD T ESTAMENT S CRIPTURE —P SALM 23………….................. Rev. Aaron Finley N EW T ESTAMENT S CRIPTURE —J OHN 3:16…………….... Rev. Michael F. Phillips P RAYER OF C OMFORT …...………………………..…… Rev. Dr. Nerissa Grigsby S ONG …………………………..…... “Break Every Chain” - Minister Saul Gates R ESOLUTIONS …………………………..……..... Friendship-West Baptist Church E XPRESSIONS OF L OVE ……………………….... Frances Morgan, Grandmother

Dale Morgan, Brother Fred Reid, Stepfather Eric Francis Morgan Sr., Father

S ONG …………………………………..…... “Total Praise” - Minister Saul Gates E ULOGY …………………………………...….…. Rev. Thomas Hayden Garner Pastor of Pastoral Care, Friendship-West Baptist Church R ECESSIONAL

F INAL A RRANGEMENTS E NTRUSTED T O

John E. Beckwith, Jr. — CEO & Owner Dallas, Texas 214 - 941 - 7332 Fort Worth, Texas 817 - 478 - 9555 Tallulah, Louisiana 318 - 574 - 6100 www.goldengatefuneralhome.com

Eric Francis Morgan Jr., was born February 2, 1994 in Dallas, TX to parents LaSharon Renee and Eric Morgan Sr. at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Eric accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of Friendship West Baptist Church joining in 1995. Eric was a beautiful soul. He was known as genuine, kind and respectful. Eric attended Desoto High School but later graduated from Hebron High School in 2012 where he was a part of the theater program. Later in life, Eric recorded several songs expressing his love for poetry and music. His wordplay has been compared to the likes of his favorite rappers including Tupac Shakur. This would pay off later in life when he would model, act and work on the production sets for local musicians. Professionally, Eric started his career young assisting his father with car sales. Eric would later work in the healthcare field caring for the elderly patients which would later in life serve as his blessing to his grandfather. His endearing personality and captivating smile always made him a winner in every career of his choice. Ask anyone and they will tell you that Eric’s greatest accomplishment was bringing all sides of his family together. As a product of a divorce, Eric made sure that all sides of the family knew that he loved them and wanted harmony whether blood related or by a parental bond. Eric transitioned from this life to eternity on September 8, 2025. He is preceded in death by his aunt Cathy Barron; cousin Liz Leona Harper; and his godparents Thomas and Deborah Jackson. He leaves to cherish in his memories and is survived by his parents LaSharon Renee’ (Frederick DeRan Reid, stepdad of 19 years ) and Eric Morgan Sr. (Katherine Whitfield, stepmom of 7 years); grandparents Dale and Frances Morgan; Jerry and Lizzie Luckey; grandfather Willie Lewis Mims; stepdad Tamir Salaam; stepmom Misty Manivath; children Torrance Morgan (Torriana Roberson) and DeRan Morgan (RiKita Parks); siblings: Dale Morgan, Kendrick Morgan, Myles Morgan, Khalil Salaam, Dylan Morgan, Ocean Morgan, Meghan Reid, Davontae Reid, Keylon DeRan Reid, Talib Salaam, Amirah Salaam; aunts and uncles: Rayvia Williams (Will), Dalwonderla Morgan, Erin Morgan, Patience Davis, Anthony Wagner, Danielle Wagner, LaJoyce Hayden (Kevin).

To My 1st Cousin, Words cannot fully express the depth of my sorrow or how greatly I will miss you. I will love you forever, and that love will never fade. You and I will always share something special, you as the first grandbaby boy and me as the first grandbaby girl. You were my first 1st cousin. We laughed and joked about that so many times and those memories will stay with me forever. I used to tease you and say, “Boy, wait until you turn 30,” and now here you are, 31 years old dancing around in Heaven – what an amazing feeling that must be. Please rest in peace knowing that your mother will be cared for, your children will always be looked after with the same love and devotion, in your honor. I know when you reached Heaven, you gave my mama the biggest hug ever and I know that one day we will be together again. Until that day comes, I will carry your spirit and memory with me always. Forever my 1st cousin, forever my family, forever in my heart. Your First Cousin, Coco

Eric, I don’t know what to say. It’s like my worst nightmare turned into reality. I know you are watching over me so I’m giving up pork for good this time like you told me to. Love you Big Cousin, V.I.P. Perry Hey Eric, I already miss you so much. You always know how to light up a room. Holding back these tears ain't easy, but I am going to miss the way that when you saw me you would hug me and kiss me on my forehead. I love you so much Eric. I never thought this would happen to you but going forward I play soccer for you Eric and my Aunt Cathy (CLB:EFMJ). I will see you later. I love you so much and keep watch over us. Brklyn Eric, This isn't goodbye, it's just me saying thank you one last time. Thank you for believing in me, for reminding me of my worth, and for always cheering me on no matter what. You gave me the courage to chase my goals and the strength to keep going when things got tough. I'll carry your words with me in every classroom, on every court, and through every chapter of my life. Your pride in me will forever be my fuel. Rest Easy E! Heaven

Dear Cousin, Your heart was always full of care and compassion. You never missed a birthday or celebration, and you were always there for your family. I don’t know how you found the strength to be there for everyone, but you always did it with so much love. You were smart, kind and you stood out in every room you entered. I’ll never forget your smile, your hugs and even that prickly beard. I remember on my 21st birthday you told me “Stop growing up you’re hurting me” that’s just the type of person you were. Thank you for all the memories, never-ending advice or support with jokes and laughs. You will live on forever in our heart’s cousin. I promise to hold on to our family the way you did, because you were the glue that kept us all together. And I’ve got your kids for life, just like you would want. In honor of you, we should all carry some of your character – the way you told the best jokes, the kind of laugh that made us smile, and the love that always made everyone feel like family. God, thank You for blessing us with a soul like Eric Jr. Morgan Williams To My Cousin, My Brother at heart Eric Morgan Jr., From the very beginning, you were more than just a cousin to me. You were my brother. You were the one I could count on, the one I could laugh with, the one who made every memory brighter. Our bond was unshakable, and though you are gone too soon, nothing can ever take that away. I’ll carry you with me in everything I do. Your spirit, your kindness and the love you gave so freely will always guide me. Until we meet again, know that you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. With Love Always, Chadd Hall

I love you first cousin. I will mourn you until I join you. Give my mama a hug for me and save a spot for YOUR Mama’s Sister’s Son!! Court It seems like just yesterday we were laughing about things that happened back in the day. I will hold on and cherish all our memories. I will never forget how big and beautiful your smile was. I will never forget what you said to me after I had my first son. I miss you and love you always. Stella Hey Cus, Why you have to go so soon? You were the type of family member that didn’t want any drama around or with the family. You wanted us to talk things out and drop everything. I love you and I miss you and will always remember you get some rest and I will see you in the future. Erin Jr.

I love you Big Cousin and I’m going to miss you! Francesa

Hey Big Brother! It’s me, Baby Ocean. I know I’m too young to know how I lost you but Mommy and Daddy said you love me very much and I love you too. They promise to tell me everything about you big brother. I’ll see you in my dreams. Love, Baby Ocean

Dear Eric Morgan Jr., The short time we had together was so fun. If I could go back and redo it I would. I wish we could have had more time together, but I'm grateful for the time I have already had with you. I am blessed to say that you were

my brother. You were so pure and kind. You taught me so many things that I will never forget. I love you, @! I will 100% see you in the afterlife. I hope you are watching us because I want to see how old we all get. I remember you were so funny. That's probably why I'm good right now. I'm only thinking of the good times I had with you. I know we will see each other in the afterlife. I love you E@ You will never be forgotten. That's a promise. I love you Eric Jr. and I know I can't talk to you anymore, but I will give anything to talk to you again. I love you. I miss you. Long Live Eric Morgan Jr.! Your Brother, Dylan To My Oldest Brother, every time I say your name or even think about the fact that I won't be able to share moments with you anymore, it breaks my heart. When I close my eyes I can feel your presence and see that smile. I know you're following wherever I go and I promise to take us to the top. I only wished I could have seen you one last time, but I can't be angry because I know you're finally at peace after being so tired for so long. I love you deeply, My Luh Big Brother, and I know you're smiling down on me right now. I will always love you. Khalil Eric, I just want to say I miss you every day, Man. I know I haven’t known you for a long time, but I'm glad about the good times we did have together. Especially when the family had get togethers. It's like every time I turn the corner to the house; I'm just waiting for you to come outside so I can hear you say, "What up, Lil' Bro?" It's crazy to even think you're gone - it just doesn't feel real. I'm going to miss you, and I promise my daughter will know who you were and what you meant to me. I love and miss you. Rest easy, Big Bro! Trey My Brother Eric, You always welcomed me with open arms. Even though our family situation kept us apart at times, you never treated me any differently - you always loved me like a big brother should. I wish we had more time and more memories together, but I'm deeply grateful for the moments we shared. Eric was my biggest supporter in my music, promoting it like he was my own manager. His love, loyalty and belief in me will stay with me forever. I promise to honor him by taking care of our family and keeping his spirit alive in everything I do. I love you E, more than words can even express! Myles

My brother was my protector, my confidant, and best friend. He put family over anything; it was the most im portant thing to him. Every time I'd see him, he'd tell me about everyone's accomplishments, no matter what side of the family it was. He was proud of every single one of his siblings, his son, his cousins and anyone else he had love for. He had a pure soul who carried no hate in his heart. He made sure I was supported and always made an effort to show up for me no matter the occasion or circumstances. He was an amazing father, and he would do anything for his sons, he loved them out loud always and unconditionally. Writing this letter has to be extremely difficult, I'm genuinely at a loss for words and never would have thought I would be writing something like this. I'm broken without him and it's hard to talk about him through memories alone, but I know he would want us to lean on each other this time, we have to be strong for his sons and pick up where he left off. My brother was my protector, my confidant, and my best friend and he still is as he watches over me. I'm deter mined to make him proud every day. Kendrick Before there were friends, even before I knew what “Family” meant, there was my Big Brother. My “BUH”, Eric. My safe haven, my confidant, my biggest cheerleader. My brother Eric was EVERYTHING! If there was a competition, he was winning. The best smile, the most passionate, the coolest guy around. Most importantly, the biggest heart. My brother “learned” me everything. My walk, my talk, accountability, my values. He was never one to hold back, always asking anything he wanted or needed, including a baby brother over 27 years ago. From the beginning, I always recognized he was the smartest, toughest, coolest person I have ever met. Girls wanted to be with him, everyone wanted to be him. He was the life of the party, something I thought I could never be. The beautiful part about him being my brother is that I was never alone in the growth process, he was right there with me. As we grew, he showed me his ways. He showed me how to care, how to think, and how to love. He continuously showed me the grace of God and that anything was possible through him. Now, let’s not get it twisted, in our early years he definitely did the big brother things, whether it was punching me occasionally, clowning on something I was wearing, etc. But two things were always true. First, he was honest and true. He never held back from telling me something I needed to know. Second, he always made sure I knew I could not only be better, but that I WOULD be better. Nothing about this is easy. For the past 26 years, if I had an issue or problem, I went to my brother. I know that that won’t change, but it will be vastly different now. Luckily, my brother and I had no stones unturned. Any time there were any hard situations or disagreements, we got to the bottom of it, because it wasn’t about me or him, but about US! As I venture into this new chapter of life, I know there are things that are inevitable. Once that casket closes, that is it. I will never see my brother again on this earth. As hard as that is, I know that he is not only in a better place but now can serve the Lord in ways he never thought imaginable. To My “BUH”, Eric, I LOOOOOOVVVEEEEEE you. You have shown me my capabilities, more clearly than anyone could have. You cared for me and the siblings more than yourself. Going forward, two things will be true. I will never doubt myself again, and I will make sure your legacy lives on. Your children will know you. They will feel your presence, and they will know that they have an angel watching over them. Thank you for the time, the les sons, the blessings. Everyone always ask why I am so confident in myself, I owe that to you. No matter what, you believed in me, even more than I believed in myself. Thank you for being an amazing father. The amount of love and support you gave the boys, amazing and outstanding. Even on a bad day, you always made sure your boys knew they were loved. I hate to see you go, but I know that you know they have an army looking out for them. It’s now your turn to take a bow and be behind the camera. The thing that is most beautiful to me, is that everywhere online, I see the good that you contributed to this world. From family to friends, to strangers who only met you once, you were a vessel of light. I know you’ve heard it from God, but a job well done. You have always inspired me and will continue to until the day we meet again. The sacrifices you made for me, all I can say is THANK YOU!! I know that moving forward, I am going to take the Paton. I am now the oldest and understand the duty I have with not only the sibling, Max, but also with the boys. You have prepared me for this, and I will not let you down. Dale

Rest in Peace...until we meet again. We had a krazy relationship. Same birthday. Same Temper...SMH. Gone too soon. We are the First StepTwins!! Keyl

EJ….one of my older brothers, I’m at a lost for words because this tragic moment has numbed my heart and words, not too long ago you were babysitting Dale and I, later on Khalil came along. I can’t begin to think how I can top the examples you’ve given us growing up. I love you big bro, and I promise to be more intentional with my words and my actions. I promise to check in more and check up more, I promise to remember who you were and how you impacted my life for the short time God put you in our lives. Praying for your sons, parents and friends. You’re gonna be missed Eric. Love you forever. Talib, Peace!

You were just like my own child! As I sit here and write this, I can't help but think about our relationship and how special you were to me. My heart is absolutely broken! It's been five days and I still can't understand why you had to be taken from me. I can't stop crying and asking God "why" and how this could happen to such a wonderful spirit. Then I see you in a red and black flannel shirt and black jeans smiling with your beautiful smile and you literally speak to me and say Aunt Dalwonderla I'm here with you and I got you! Be strong and keep going! I see you wherever I go which is confirmation that you are still here with me not in body but in Spirit! I love you Eric Jr. I love you forever and ever! You will never be forgotten. Love Aunt Dalwonderla My “Day One” Nephew! I can recall coming over to your house when you were just a handsome little boy and seeing you asleep in your room in that race car bed; then through the evolution of time, you simply grew up and manifested into a handsome young man. It was like magic. Through my eyes you are and will always be the standard of what a nephew should be: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17) 1. A nephew is a perfect gift from God, that never changed. 2. A source of unlimited fun and laughter – A smile that could light up any room or bowling alley. 3. One whom you valued like a son, could hang out with like a brother and have fun with like a friend. 4. One who always displayed the constant level of respect for his elders. 6 One who watched his Uncle Kevin; One who asked excellent questions of his Uncle; at times as if you were looking for pointers or right answers to a life test that would arise; therefore, if you ever learned anything from your boyhood to your manhood from Uncle Kevin, then it has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Uncle. Well Eric Morgan Jr. AKA Lil E, you have officially did it, you proved something to me and to all who truly loves you and that is not seeing you daily, you proved to us that really love really doesn’t come from the eyes, it truly comes from the old heart. Dear God, When I face difficult circumstances, help me to say with confidence, “God, I trust You.” I trust You with my life, my family and my future. Even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming, remind me that You are steady and faithful. When life gets hard, help me not to lean on my own understand, but to lean on You. Let “God, I trust You” be the cry for my heart – through every challenge, every storm and every unknown. As Psalms 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” You are my strength and my hope. Uncle Kevin Nephew, of all the many blessings, however great or small to have had you as a nephew was the greatest one of all. The family chain is broken now and nothing seems the same, but God has taken us one by one. The chain will link again. Aunt Patience Eric Jr., you were truly one of the Morgans who held it down for our family. As a father, you showed endless love and dedication to your children. As a nephew, you were the one who brought the family together – always uplifting those around you. You never had a bad word to say about anyone, unless it was spoken directly and honestly to them. That honesty and kindness made you special. You always understood me, and I loved you dearly for that. You were passionate about our family, always wanting to be around us, to share in our lives and laughter. I’ll never forget Sunday, August 31, 2025, when you came into the kitchen while I was cooking your Dad’s birthday dinner. We had another one of our one-on-one conversations, but this time it was especially about your son, Torrance. You spoke with so much pride about him and asked if I would help with the application process for him to get accepted into Arts Magnet/Booker T. Washington High School. I stopped what I was doing and together we looked up the school’s application process and deadlines. You were so excited to learn the steps, taking notes and making sure you understood everything. I promised you I’d be there every step of the way, and I assured you that Torrance would have no problem as long as he followed the deadlines. I make that promise still. Eric Jr., you were all about your family and truly loved every one of your kids. I will forever play tic-tac-toe on my leg in remembrance of you. Thank you for your love, your laughter and your unwavering support. You will always be with us, in our hearts and memories. With Love, Aunty Rayvia and Wil Eric, I have heard your voice so many times since September 8, 2025. I keep hearing you say the same thing you said every time we ended a call. You always ended with; I love you Aunt Trel. Hearing it now is so very heartbreaking while also being comforting. I know you are letting me know you are okay. I know this is your way of telling me you made it to Cathy. I can honestly say you in your 31 years of life you have been consistent. I cannot speak for anyone else’s experience with you but for me you were consistent. Always respectful, always caring. You were a young person trying to find his way and STILL gave everything you could to help someone else. I find comfort in knowing we as a family love out loud; therefore, you never had to guess how I felt about you and I had no questions about your love for me. When Kevin and I started dating, I had no clue how the “nephew” dynamic would work. You were the first one to meet him and you made it okay for your cousins to love him too. I know in my heart you are better than good. I know in my heart no matter what the circumstances, September 8, 2025, would have been your last day here. God needed you. Thank you for loving everyone out loud. Torrance and DeRan are okay. We, as a family, will help them with shaping their new normal. We will make sure we keep you alive through them. Make sure you let my sister know how much I miss her. Love you, Aunt Trel Love you Aunt Trel Love you Uncle Kevin (Every time) 5. One who kept a special place in people’s hearts.

You accepted everyone as equal, and your smile could light up any room. You always knew what to say when I felt down. I will never forget how you melted my heart the day you encouraged me to stop crying about my hair falling out. You held my hand and said, “You are still pretty. You still look like a girl. You are a beautiful woman.” Eric, you had a way of making everyone feel good about themselves. Eric Jr., I will always love you and keep you close in my heart. I cared for you here on earth, and now God is taking care of you in Heaven. My prayer to God is this: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of Eric Jr. He was the light of our family. He loved his grandfather and grandmother dearly. Lord, fill us with Your peace—the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Thank You for letting us borrow Eric Jr. for the time we had with him. In the name of Jesus, I pray Amen. With love, Grandmommy and Pops Dear Long Head, I know you are up there being good. I love you with all my heart. I miss you so much. Words cannot express the way I feel right now. You will be deeply missed. Dinner will not be the same without you. I love you. May you rest in peace my sweet grand baby! Love, Papa Jerry

My first born grand baby boy, aka Little aka Long Head. We are going to miss you because you did so much when we had family gatherings, always taking out the trash or putting up the tables. What do you need

me to do next Wowo. Baby I'm gonna miss you so much. You are my heart and soul. Words cannot express how much I'm going to miss you. I love you so much. I know you're an angel and I need you to do great things up there in heaven and I know right now you are saying yes ma'am. So I know you are looking down at your loved ones my sweet sweet boy. May you rest in peace. Love you Wowo Eric, remember when we first got reacquainted and you would call me granddad? Remember what I told you I told you to call me dad because you were my son. I saw you as more of my Jr. because I had all those girls. Remember when I told you never be afraid to tell me that you loved me? Well the last thing I heard from you was I love you dad and that will stay with me the rest of my life. I love you grandson always have and always will. Willie Lewis Mims, Jr.

We are here today to celebrate a wonderful man, some may call him Junior, some might call him first cousin, son, auntie, nephew, grandson, Let me, I call him one of the most powerful and treasured names. You can call a man. I call him dad. And, that name means so much because just like one of his favorite comedy actor said “there’s a difference between a father and a dad “and that’s so true, any body can be a father, but a dad, a dad is there for you. A dad, my dad, make sure you have everything when you have nothing, a Dad teaches you how to grow as a man, a dad shows you how to present yourself as a young black man in this world, make sure you never forget where you come from, who your family is, make sure you know what respect is, what control is, who God is, and what love is. A dad doesn’t just take care of you, but he also loves you, cherish you, respects you, and understands you, shows an interest in your interest. In my life, my father has taught me so much, even if it’s just movie logic or how to grow as a man. So many lessons you have taught me, Dad one is every day isn’t promised. And for the longest time, I never believed you until now . I will live for you and me. I will live for your legacy, I will live to make you proud, I will live how you always wanted me to, I will live happy and with confidence. You never got to do so much, and I will live to do it for you, I will live to take care of my brother for you, I will live to your expectations, I will live to Remember everything you’ve taught me. I will live forever hold you in my heart. I will live to love you as more than a father but as a dad. I will miss you, Dad, I will miss calling you and we would have a competition on who would hang up first. I wish you didn’t hang up first this time dad. I will live to forever hold you in my heart. I will live to love you as more than a father, but as a dad. Torrance

Dear Dad,

I love you from the bottom of my heart. It was hard seeing you go. Everyone misses you and it's hard without you it hurts. But I will stay strong for you. Dad, enjoy yourself. You are in a better place. DeRan

Dear Jr., My bonus son... The leader of the pack...

You were my first son, before I ever knew what it meant to be a mother. Thank you for giving me the grace to grow into that role, for letting me love you with a heart still learning. I thank God every day for the blessing of being part of your life. You loved me without conditions, without hesitation. You had my back through every season, and that kind of love, pure and unwavering, is something I will carry with me forever. You showed me what a child's unconditional love truly looks like. I'm so proud of the strength and guidance you poured into your siblings. They look up to you still. Even in your absence, they know the assignment because you made sure they did. You instilled confidence, courage, and compassion in them, and those gifts will carry them through every storm. I'm humbled to have witnessed your journey. To see you grow, watch you lead, and feel the ripple of your impact on everyone you touched. Your legacy is alite in their hearts, in mine and in every life you lit up with your presence. You were a force. A light. A Sonshine. And until we meet again, I'll hold you close in every breath. I love you forever. Misty, Your Bonus Mom From the very first day Eric Sr. introduced me to Eric Jr., he accepted and loved me. He looked at me and said, STEPMOMMA!”, with the biggest smile on his face. From that day forward, Step Momma is what he called me. When Baby Ocean was born, he was the first one at the hospital, ready to spoil his baby brother. I deeply regret the fact that Ocean didn’t have the chance to solidify a strong fraternal relationship with his eldest sibling, but Eric Sr and I will assure that Ocean will know the amazing person his big brother was, and how much Eric Jr. loved him. Rest in perfect peace Big Son! Watch and protect us as you sit on your throne in Heaven. Until we meet again. Love Step Mma You were more than just my godfather. You were a guide and a constant in my life. Whether it was your quiet wisdom, your warm smile, or just your presence, you had a way of making everything feel okay. I always knew that if I needed someone to talk to, you’d be there without judgment, without hesitation. Our special handshake we had we would always do it every time we saw each other regardless of how long between visits you always remembered. Thank you for everything you did for me for your love, and your faith in me. I hope I can live in a way that honors you Rest well, Eric, I love you, and I miss you deeply. Love Dante Hall Dear Eric Jr, I still can’t believe you’re gone. It feels unreal to be writing this but I needed to to tell you what you meant to me.

Dear Junior, There's so much I want to say. Since the first day we met you was just a cool little fella. No pun intended. I want to thank you for being a footprint in my life for 20 years. Thank you for making my relationship with your mom an easy one. I want to thank you for caring for me enough to name your second born child after me. That gives me and DeRan a special laugh every time we're together. Thank you so much for tricking your mom and brothers into buying me I mean US a PS5. I will truly miss watching you play the game. You were an NBA player and we were living that life. Lil E just thank you for always being you. I want to thank you for loving your boys the way you did. You made sure they knew how much you loved them. Thank you for loving everyone in the family and showing up at every family event. Lil E you may not be here with us anymore in this place that we all are just passing through, but you definitely left your mark on this world that can never be erased. Legendary AKA Lil E AKA Junior AKA Eric AKA Auntie (iykyk) LOL 2-2-1994

Love you until I get that same call SD OUT

Before I had children of my own, I was blessed to be placed in a position to assist in raising an amazing young man. When I tell you that this kid embodied all the characteristics I could only pray that my own kids would carry. Always a "yes sir" or a "no sir". Always his mom’s protector. Always his brother's role model. Always a smile for everyone he encountered. Character traits that he carried with him all along his journey. I promise, you would be hard pressed to find a boy to man who was more respectful of his elders, or more endearing to his peers, or even more of a super hero to his sons. This young man called me "Pops" from the age of 8 to the age of 31. Every time I heard it I beamed with joy! Jr, know that I will celebrate your life as long as I breathe. You were an amazing son, sibling, cousin, father, friend, nephew, and man. I am thankful that GOD placed you in my path. You taught me more about myself than even I knew was possible of me. You made me believe that I could successfully be a father. I will miss you son. Man I'm going to miss that smile. That whistle. That laugh. Love, Pops !

"This moment will Shake us but not Shape us. It will Bend us, but not Break us!!!" ~ TamirSaidit

Hey everyone, In 1993, when Lasharon and I found out we were ex pecting, I was a nervous wreck! Eighteen years old and suddenly a dad-to-be. But Jerry and wowo told me we can handle this. I told my dad I wanted to fol low in his footsteps selling cars – gotta be prepared for my baby’s arrival, right. Then, we found out it was a boy! Man, the joy! I was so excited. I had a name picked out instantly: Eric Jr.! I envisioned him as my mini-me – same name, same look, the works! February 2nd, 1994, he arrived, and it was the best day ever. Seriously, the perfect baby boy. He was so good; we only had to spank him once lol! He had such a great personality, such a kind heart. Everyone loved him. He adored his family. Through thick and thin, he was always so positive. Whenever I worried about him, he'd be worrying about *me*! If I was stressed, a call to Eric Jr. was all it took. He always knew just what to say – things like, "Don't worry, Dad, you're Eric Morgan! You always figure things out!" He was there for me instantly – like he could hear the phone ring and would be on his way before I even hung up!

He was my son, my best friend. We were so much alike, thinking the same way about things. When he turned 18, I told him he was joining the family business, E&E Auto Sales – the third "E"! He was thrilled. We even got matching E&E tattoos! (Shout out to Lo for that!) Those were amazing times. I was bursting with pride. We had an incredible bond. One of my favorite memories is when he got a portrait of me tattooed on his arm. That showed just how much he loved me. He absolutely adored his two sons, always calling to tell me how well they were doing. He wanted the best for them and was always there. He loved his sib lings too (shout out to Khalil!), always asking have you spoken to Dale, Kynnedee, Myles, Dylan, and little Ocean. He really worked hard to keep the family close, always wanting to do things together. It's sad Ocean won't have the same time with his big brother, but he'll hear stories every day. Eric Jr. was such a special person. When my dad started struggling with dementia, Eric Jr. moved in to help care for him. He loved my dad and mom so much he still have his screensaver of them on his phone and Facebook profile pic. Last December, he called, wanting to start working out with me. I was so happy! He set a goal to build more muscle by his 31st birthday in February. I said, "Okay, I'll aim for abs like yours by my 50th in August!" We hit the gym every day. It was so much fun, an incredible time. He reached his goal; he looked amazing! He had the perfect body. Then, he was even more excited about *my* 50th birthday goal than I was! And him Seeing me hit my goal of getting abs before 50 was amaz ing to him. We were gym rats, loving our shirtless gym pics after workouts. He was truly my best friend and son. We were so close; people thought we were brothers. We had some really great times together, especially on weekends. Remember all those nights hanging out ( Shout out Baldhead ) mannn Good times! He loved his step parents he always talked about Fred and had a great bond with him. He loved his Aunt Trell and Uncle Kevin. And Katt absolutely adored Eric Jr. He was one of the first to meet his little baby brother Ocean, and he was so thrilled! He loved our dou ble dates. He was so pumped for my 50th birthday party – it’s crazy to think he was gone just 15 days lat er. That night was amazing, though. He loved my sister and niece, Morgan. When they planned a birth day dinner for me the next day, he was the first one there. That hug and "I love you" he gave me turned out to be our last, and that’s hard. September 8th will always be tough, but I'll make sure his memory lives on. I love you so much, Eric Jr., and I miss you terribly. I can’t wait to see you again when I get to heaven while you up there with your Aunt Cathy and baby Liz

Eric, I can’t begin to tell you how much I’m going to miss you. I do not have the words to describe the amount of love I have for you, my firstborn son. When your dad and I first found out we were having you at 16 and 18 years old we were excited, but everyone else was scared for us. Somehow, without knowing you, we knew the amount of love you would bring to our life from the day I laid eyes on you. I instantly felt a bond that I’ve never felt in my life, an unconditional love that was God‘s blessing to my heart as you grew older. You would show me that while I was young. I had all the tools necessary to be your mother. It's funny how we don’t understand our own strengths and talents until we have to use them. I will credit myself with you, knowing from day one that no matter who what when where or how you would always know love and would always be loved. Whether I was modeling or in music videos or hanging with my peers, you were right there with me as my little brother most people would say. Having you at home these past seven months was a gift from God. We were able to cook together, pray together and hang out with your brother and your children. We were able to watch you play PlayStation with Fred and strengthen your bond with Max. We had countless hours together and it’s a blessing to be able to say I have no regrets. You watched me and your father buy a first house at 18 and 20 years old. You helped us both build our careers in the success that we were able to achieve in life. You were right there with us the whole way. The impact that you had on every last person in all of your families is astounding. I always wondered. How can one person be so loving and forgiving? On my side of the family you kept us close. You loved your papa Jerry and your Wowo so much. All of your cousins know that you were the go to in the family. You loved your Morgan family so much you took care of your granddad Dale and were there every day with your grandmother as comfort. You were granddad Willie‘s little twin. You love the Reid and Salaam family like your very own blood could not have made you closer to anyone. I can already close my eyes and feel your presence all around me, my angel. I will forever be changed, losing you in the physical form. I can’t believe I can’t see your smile every day. We trust God we understand his assignment, but that does not mean the hurt we feel is not important. I remember for years your mantra has always been little E making mama proud, baby. I can tell you you fulfilled that. I am so proud of you. I’m so proud of the sun you are. I am so proud of the brother you are and I am most proud of the father you are. I will continue to speak of you in present because you are still ever present in my mind and my heart rest well baby you earned those wings. I know you are in heaven with aunt Cathy and she is walking around Heaven with you. You will forever be everybody’s favorite. Thank you for saving me. Your mom always and forever Mom!