Eric Espey

Eric D. Espey was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 6th, 1963 to Ms. Barbara Marbury and Mr. Joseph Washington. He transitioned peacefully in Nashville, TN on April 21, 2019, at the age of 55 years old.

He is preceded in death by his sister Barnessa Jordan of Chattanooga, TN; brother, Donald Marbury of Chattanooga, TN; Grandmother, Maggie Espey of Chattanooga, TN; Uncle, Marvin Espey of Chattanooga, TN; Aunt, Bennye Espey; Mother-in-love, Penny Simpson of Athens, TN. Eric, or “Big Papa” as he was affectionately called by so many, started his schooling in the Hamilton County School District where his love for sports began. He was a graduate of Howard High School in Chattanooga, TN. After graduating from Howard, he enlisted in the military, there he served in the army, active duty from 1983-1999. He furthered his career with the National Guard and retired after 22 years; Staff Sergeant (SSG) E-6.
He took great pleasure in being a devoted husband, father, and deacon. Big Papa was known as the “Rock” and well respected for his ability to take individuals under his wing and mentor them. He looked for moments to teach life lessons and had a wealth of knowledge in all subjects. Friends and family know him as a Godly gentleman with love for everyone. Big Papa and his loving wife have been foster parents for 26 years, fostering 60 children. He enjoyed volunteering at Riceville Elementary School, and he was also on various boards including Orchard Knob Garden Club, Men on Board, and East Chattanooga Leadership Advisory Counsel.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Sandy Martina Espey; Sons: Eric Antron Espey (fiance Ashley), Keyuan Mitchell, and David Bonner “D.J.”; FAVORITE Daughter: Erika Espey; Grandson: Aryone Thomas; Mother: Ms. Barbara Marbury; One sister: Pamela Espey; Two brothers: Chardrick (Judia) Espey, Sheldon (Tawanna) Marbury; One uncle: Melvin Espey; Father-in-love: Billy Simpson; Sisters-in-love: Tammie Simpson, Lesa Witt, Sherry Smith, Tabatha (Troy) McDermott, Shytanna (Pete) McDermott, Felicia Johnson, Ronie Ware; Brothers-in-love: Tommy (Gaynelle) Simpson; William (Lisa) Simpson; Thirteen nieces:  Eighteen nephews,special friends: Devin Prather, Harold Flemister, James Eldar, Phillip Cook, Heath Frazier, Pastor Larry Saunders, Joe (Mona) Said, William Witt, Elliott Harris, Michael Jordan, Logan Taylor; and a host of uncles and aunts and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held  Sunday, April 28, 2019  at 3:00 p.m. at Victory Church International in Athens, TN  with Pastor Harold McCowan  and Rev. Larry  Saunders officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m until 3:00 p.m at the church. Interment will be held on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.  the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.