Eric Scott Forney

Rock Hill, SC – Eric Scott Forney, age 50, finished his race on this earth on the evening of Thursday, June 5, 2025, when he was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in Canton, Ohio, to Bruce and Jackie (Shull) Forney, Eric was the oldest of their three children. He attended Southside Christian School in Akron, where at the age of seven he received the gift of salvation. He graduated from Rootstown High School and later attended the University of Akron. In his early adulthood, Eric served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT on the Rootstown Volunteer Fire Department. It was during this season that he met Ellen Moore, who became his beloved wife for 27 years. Together, they built a life grounded in faith and love - a marriage that deepened and grew sweeter with time. Eric poured his heart into their life together, raising their five children and seeking to honor the Lord through every season. In February 2025, Eric stepped out in obedience to God's call and joined a mission trip to Ecuador with Filter of Hope. Though apprehensive about sharing the Gospel with strangers, Eric trusted the Holy Spirit to guide him. That experience left a lasting impact on his heart and clarified his life's purpose: to love God, love people, and make disciples. From then on, he became increasingly intentional in leading his family spiritually, loving Ellen fully, and shepherding his children with wisdom and devotion. Eric was a man of quiet strength - genuine, humble, thoughtful, and filled with the Spirit. He lived and led not with fanfare but with faithfulness. His desire to serve the Lord grew stronger each day, and his commitment to Christ, his family, and lifelong learning defined who he was. His legacy lives on in Ellen and in their children: Derrick, Christian, Sabrina, Jacqueline, and Sophia, each of whom carry forward his heart, his example, and his faith. Eric is also survived by his mother, Jacqueline (Shull) Forney of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; his sisters, Natalie Smith (Germaine) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Jennifer Hodgkinson (Michael) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; his mother-in-law, Therese Moore of Streetsboro, Ohio; sister-in-law, Laura Lewis (Sam) of Streetsboro, Ohio; brother-in-law, Ross Moore (Kelly) of Rootstown, Ohio; and fourteen nieces and nephews, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Bruce Forney; his father-in-law, Robert "Bob" Moore; his brother-in-law, Stephen Moore; his niece, AvaMarie Moore; and his first beloved grandchild. A lifelong sports fan, Eric enjoyed watching Ohio State Buckeyes football games with his family. Now reunited in heaven with his dad, we imagine them celebrating, praising the Lord, and discussing the Cleveland Guardians' lineup together. Eric found his deepest contentment in simply being with his family. He was a constant and unwavering supporter of his children's dreams and interests and was immensely proud of each of them. His greatest hope was that they would each grow into the person God created them to be and walk closely with the Lord. No matter how far their travels took them, Eric made it a priority to be present - always available to talk, to listen, and to love. Watching them become the young adults they are was one of his greatest blessings. To him, family was a treasure greater than any earthly riches. While our hearts ache due to his absence, we rejoice in knowing that Eric's life and testimony embody the words of 2 Timothy 4:7, We will strive to follow his faithful example until we are reunited once again. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 481 Hood Center Dr, Rock Hill, SC 29730. The family will receive visitors prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:00AM. The service will be viewable by livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstBaptistChurchRockHill/streams?app=desktop. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made to Filter of Hope, www.filterofhope.org. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.