Eric J. Silk

SUMMERVILLE - Eric J. Silk, 69, of Summerville, the son of Esther Stuart Silk of Sandwich, England and the late Joseph Eric Silk, died Friday, April 24, 2009. Eric was born December 6, 1939 in Sandwich, England. He was a graduate of Sir Roger Manwoods Grammar School in Sandwich.

Eric is survived by his wife, Iris Davis Silk and four children; Peter Silk of Winchester, England; Debra Bailey (Richard) of Mansfield, Arkansas; Mandy Vaughn (Edward) of Summerville, South Carolina; William Shealy and partner, Eric D’Errico of Summerville, South Carolina. He was the devoted grandfather of ten grandchildren. Two brothers; Brian Silk (Mary) and Geoff Silk (Annette) both of England and one sister, Susan Silk Jenkins (Terry) of Australia.

Eric joined the Royal Navy as a sailor at the young age of fifteen. He was a Fleet Chief Warrant Officer and served at Suez and the Falkland Islands. Before retiring after thirty years of service his last post was at NATO Headquarters (Shape) in Belgium.

After Naval Service Eric worked eleven years as a real estate agent for ReMax Real Estate Services in Columbia, SC. He moved to Summerville in 1997 where he and his wife were former owners of Charleston Wilbert Vault Co.

He was a nature guide at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens as well as an avid golfer and gardener.

Eric was a member of Flowertown Players of Summerville. He performed as Alfred P. Dolittle in “My Fair Lady”, Cervantes in “Man of La Mancha” as well as in “The Foreigner” and “The Mouse Trap”.

Eric was serving on the Board of Directors at Miler Golf Club at the time of his death.

Honorary Pallbearers: All members of Miler Golf Club.

Eric’s family wish to express their gratitude to all who offered help and support during his illness. Your expressions of love and your constant prayers sustained them all and they will always be grateful.

A memorial visitation for Eric will take place on Monday, April 27, 2009 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, West Ashley Chapel from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Funeral services celebrating his life will take place on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church (118 West 3rd Street, Summerville, SC) Burial will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Bethany United Methodist Church or to Hospice of Charleston Foundation, 676 Wando Park Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mcalister-smith.com.