Eric Carter Denington

Eric Carter Denington, born September 18, 1953, in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on February 25, 2026, after an extended illness. He was the son of Rev. Paul Mitchell Denington and Sara Carter Denington, who preceded him in death.
Eric’s childhood took him from Louisville to Newberry, Florida, and later to Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended McCampbell Elementary and Whittle Springs Junior High, spent two years at Tennessee Military Institute in Sweetwater, and briefly attended Halls High School before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, to live with his paternal aunt and uncle, where he continued his education at Robert E. Lee High School.
In his twenties, he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, to be closer to his mother, and in 1975 he relocated to Texas—a place he proudly declared was where “everything is bigger and better.”
Early Interests and Personality
As a boy, Eric enjoyed rock collecting, building H.O. model trains, go karting, tent camping with his family, and playing football. At age sixteen, he survived a serious motorcycle accident while riding without a helmet, an event that contributed to mental health challenges later in life. Even so, Eric carried a determined, stubborn independence that shaped both his youth and adulthood.
He loved working on an old Volvo car, even when it tested his patience, and he remained a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Eric was known for his strong work ethic, his commitment to paying his own way, and his ability to live independently for many years. He built a respected career as a pest control professional and took pride in owning his mobile home outright.
Work and Service
Throughout his life, Eric held a variety of jobs, including work on oil rigs, cotton gin maintenance, pest control, and purchasing and management for home manufacturing supplies. At age 30, he began training with the Army National Guard, demonstrating his continued dedication to service and discipline. He later earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Computer Science from Richland College.
Family
Eric is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Paul M. and Sara C. Denington; his maternal grandparents Otis B. and Louise B. Carter; his paternal grandparents Paul E. and Inez Denington and Mary Chamberlain; his paternal uncle James Carter; his maternal uncle and aunt Jack S. and Margaret C. Francis; and his cousin Bruce Carter.
He is survived by his only sister Margaret Denington Cody and her husband Daniel; his paternal aunt Ann D. Carter; his nephew Paul A. Bowers Sr. and his wife Eunice; his niece Julia A. Presson and her husband Samuel; and his great nephews Paul A. Bowers Jr. (PJ), David Presson, Gideon Presson, and Gabriel Presson. He is also survived by his great nieces Alexis Jones and Bethea Presson; paternal cousins Ira Carter (Erin), Bobby Carter (Sandy), and Jimmy Carter (Allison); maternal cousin Jackie Francis Foster (Bruce); and many other extended family members and friends.
Private family gathering to happen in the near future.
Acknowledgments
Eric’s family extends heartfelt thanks to his friend David Smoot and his neighbor Jessica Serrano (family) for their kindness, support, and help over the years.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hutchins Senior Center (Attn: Wanda Randle, Community Services Director),
500 W Hickman St, Hutchins, TX 75141,
to support their ongoing work serving the senior community of Hutchins, Texas. Senior Services | Hutchins TX