Eric Morgan Jr.

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!