Eric Jennings Staton, 76, of Stanley, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Born on April 22, 1949, in Rowan County, Eric was the son of the late Arthur “Bo” and Faye Kelly Staton. He graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1967 and went on to study engineering at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Eric proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era as a member of the Signal Corps, with assignments in Ethiopia and Germany. Following his military service, he began his career at IBM in Charlotte. He later worked at his family’s Western Auto Store and, after its closing, continued his professional career at Gaston County Dyeing Machine Company, where he specialized in Electronic Systems.

Eric had a lifelong passion for playing billiards and, above all, cherished the time he spent with family and friends. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to his family, and the steady presence he provided throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leigh Anne (Cannon) Staton; his daughter, Emily Rose Angell, and son-in-law, Rusty Angell; and his two beloved granddaughters, Gwendolyn Larkin Angell and Ruby Anne Angell. He is also survived by his brothers, David Staton, Kelly Staton (Denise), and Jody Staton; his sister, Lydia Reid (Rob); and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by his son, Cannon Taylor Staton.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Stanley. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Family Life Center.