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Eric Montross
1971 - 2023
Eric Montross
1971 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1971
DIED
2023
Eric Montross Obituary
Eric Montross was an NBA basketball veteran and a member of the 1993 NCAA Championship-winning University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill Tar Heels team who came to be known as Bloody Montross after playing with a bleeding injury during a game against Duke University.
We invite you to share condolences for Eric Montross in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
35 Entries
Judy Machynski
March 2, 2024
A great Player at UNC and someone who was known for his devotion to the fans,NC family and God. RiP Eric
You will always be a UNC Legend
Tina Creech
January 18, 2024
When Eric was going to sign for college , my husband made a sign that hung in our house for a long time. It said "Mom send Montross". My husband was a die hard fan, and that was his prayer that year for Eric to sign with the Tarheels. He took it to the Dean Dome, with his best friend - pulled it out to show Eric, and they almost got thrown out. Eric came to UNC, gave us 100s of memories. Drafted to the Celtics, at number 9- my husband´s favorite number. Thank you for the memories. My prayers to your family.
Jill Thrasher
January 9, 2024
Sending our condolences to the Montross family - LNHS Class of `91 Jill, Rachael, Deana, Jennifer, Lisa. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Linda Ray Bullock
December 27, 2023
We used to go to the Dean Dome to meet the team after big games. One night I asked Eric what his Mom fed him growing up he said "Everything " that's my favorite memory ! Such a kind and gracious person. To the family thank you for sharing. Peace love and healing prayers for you all .
Linda Ray Bullock
How you can show support
Amanda Smith-Gard
December 26, 2023
I remember Eric being in one of my classes at UNC. I also remember his kindness to a former student of mine who was receiving treatment for cancer last year. His type of kindness and giving to others is a rare treasure.
Tony Frazier
December 26, 2023
great basketball player and an even greater man. I remember when he got a cut during the Duke game and continued to play with a bloodied face and jersey. Ultimately he contracted cancer and finally lost a battle and his life to the cruel disease, but his legacy will live on. I miss him and feel as if I lost a brother from another mother. R.I.P Eric! Playing ball in heaven. Tony Frazier
Rob Brendle
December 25, 2023
Rob Brendle
December 25, 2023
Rob Brendle
December 25, 2023
I have had the pleasure of working the Eric Montross Fathers Day Camp since 2010. Through the years, Eric has treated us so well and as we became friends, he always took the time to say hello on our numerous trips up to Chapel Hill. Once when I was coaching at Milligan College our JV would come up to play UNC JV every year. This particular year, I had invited my cousin who was a huge UNC fan and had been battling Cancer up to the game. Our team arrived early to go through the museum, but I waited out on the curb for my cousin. All of a sudden Eric pulls up to me in his pickup truck to say hello. He asked if our JV was playing that day and I told yes and asked if it was ok if I brought my cousin over to courtside to meet him before the varsity broadcast. Eric said that pre game is a super busy time because of the broadcast. But Eric said why don´t you bring him up to my office on the third floor above the museum? I asked if he was sure and he said absolutely. So he parked and went into the building and moments later my cousin arrived and I told him we had someone to meet and went up the loony of the third floor and quietly asked the receptionist to ask Eric up to the front. When Eric came out my cousin was amazed and the way Eric made my cousin feel and visited with us and took pictures truly made my cousins day. Eric always had time for me and anyone who came with me up to a game. Eric was the greatest ambassador for UNC Basketball,UNC the university and Chapel Hill the community. I was blessed to call him a friend and will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with Laura,Andrew and Sarah.
Roosevelt Williams
December 23, 2023
A few years ago Carolina women were playing Duke in Carmichael when Eric and his daughter walked in and sat in front of me. I calmly spoke to him and asked for his autograph. Without hesitation he humbly gave me an autograph and thanked me for following and supporting the Heels.
Ginger Bakalli
December 23, 2023
My son played at NC State from 90-94. I remember when State finally beat Carolina in Chapel Hill. I believe everyone when they say you were a class act. It showed! Your family is proud
Christopher Van Name
December 23, 2023
Eric Montross was an incredible person. His kindness, compassion and generosity extended far beyond the basketball court. He was a very visible and approachable member of the Chapel Hill Community. His values and caring personality live on in his wonderful family. He was a friend to all who were graced with his presence. The Special Needs Community of Chapel Hill benefitted greatly from his advocacy and generosity. He will be greatly missed.
Woody Coley
December 22, 2023
December 23
Woody Coley `77
Eric was a champion in so many ways, as an athlete, as a student, as a father, as a representative of the University and as a friend. His ability to listen first and then respond thoughtfully was incredible. Even though he was usually besieged in every room he entered, he made you feel like his full attention was in your conversation, not what might come next. He could empathize so quickly, and if he disagreed with a topic, he did so with grace and respect. His family, Carolina Basketball, UNC, and his friends will miss him dearly. Coach Smith and Guthridge now have their starting center in heaven for the Dook game.
Scott Smith
December 22, 2023
Besides Eric´s incredible performances while playing for UNC in the early 90s, especially the `93 national championship, my most fondest memory is me and my boys participating in the Father´s Day basketball camp in `05. The positive way he conducted the camp and the constant interaction with the kids and fathers was absolutely incredible and knowing where the proceeds went was wonderful. He was a great player but he will mostly be remembered for his incredible Christian leadership and how he placed everyone ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow.
Mbuyi Mukendi
December 22, 2023
May your soul rest in peace! May the angels cary you to the heavenly banquet. May your loved ones be comforted during this time, most particularly at Christmas.
Jim and Margaret wurster city market
December 22, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dr. Judy Atkins
December 22, 2023
Judy Atkins and Family
Our family, and the entire UNC family, are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Montross. He accumulated so many joyous memories and inspired so many. Please know that we are thinking of you during this time of great sorrow.
Judy Machynski
December 21, 2023
A wonderful basketball player and great man.Watched him as a great UNC Tarheel Center.Gone too soon,may God wrap his arms around his Family,Friends and Fans during this time of grief and may he always be remember as a Fighter.Rest In Peace Eric,we will never forget you.
Paul B Mandl
December 21, 2023
I waited tables at Applebee's and the '93 ate there often. MR. MONTROSS was the nicest easygoing guy who would talk a minute about whatever was going on... I've always appreciated the memory! RIP MR. MONTROSS
Diane Dianeburns
December 21, 2023
Him and the tar heels winning the 1993 championship.
Regina Taylor
December 21, 2023
Sending prayers and condolences to the Montross family, UNC basketball team and his many friends and colleagues. I have been a fan of UNC basketball and I did get to see Eric play at a home game. May you find comfort knowing Eric is resting in the arms of JESUS!
Amy Leonard
December 21, 2023
Prayers go out to all of Eric's family, friends and fans. My grandfather would get so excited when Eric came to church with Laura and her family. My grandfather made it a point to go speak to Eric after church. He was a big UNC fan. May peace be with all!
Amy Leonard
December 21, 2023
Watching him as a UNC player.
Richard Thompson
December 21, 2023
May the peace of Christ, that passes all human understanding, be with you all, now and forever. Amen
Douglas Whitener
December 21, 2023
Rest in Peace our Tarheel Brother
Kevin Brodie
December 20, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Montross family during this difficult time. Eric was a superstar and I will never forget the UNC tournament win in 1993. He and George Lynch really battled against a tough Michigan team. I´m sorry he couldn´t battle his cancer. He meant a lot to many people and he will never be forgotten.
Eva Long & Family
December 20, 2023
RIP BIG MAN
Tony Wilson
December 20, 2023
There is no other man greater than Eric Montross. Always made time to speak to fans, spent time with kids at UNC Children Hospital. Eric spoke at a DARE graduation for me several years ago and made sure he spoke to every kid at the school. Eric you will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Montross Family. Forever a Friend Tony Wilson
Barbara W James
December 20, 2023
My Father in Law- in small town in Alabama -enjoyed watching Eric play..he was always calling him "Double Ought"-an old term meaning 00. I was at an
Event here in Raleigh and Eric was a Celebrity Waiter...He was Ultra Kind in Letting me have a picture to Send to Alabama. I´ve watched, over the years, Eric never deny anyone a picture or autograph.
Wonderful Young Man Gone Too Soon.
Emlyn Jenee
December 20, 2023
I am so sorry about the loss of Eric. The family has my deepest condolences and I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love and support. As you go through this difficult time, may Almighty God give you "everlasting comfort" (2 Thess. 2:16).
Diann Wells
December 20, 2023
meeting him in New Orleans Final Four...he was rushing to broadcast but waited patiently for me to get this picture....RIP
Thimothy Paul Earles
December 20, 2023
I met Eric at the cancer center in Hillsborough and being a Carolina fan it was a highlight. Going through 3 rounds of cancer has been hard but I'm thankful that I met this great person. He was more than just a ball player he was a great person at heart. I'm praying for his family and know I'll meet him again one day. Thanks for the memories and making my a day at cancer center in Hillsborough.
Jeff Wright
December 20, 2023
Loved you big guy. You were the best on the court, off, and behind the mic. We are all heartbroken. Heaven just became an even better place. Godspeed......#00
Frances Edwards
December 20, 2023
I was fortunate to have met Eric many years ago. He was so gracious and humble. Like everyone has said "a gentle giant". He will be sorely missed far and wide. Condolences to his wife and children as well as his extended Tar Heel family.
Ashley Wilder
December 19, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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