We've all lost a friend

Started by steamer · 24 replies · 950 views

steamer
24 Sept 2026, 12:53
Hello all,

I wanted to reach out to the membership to let everyone know about the passage of Eric  (Tennessee Whisky)
last night after a brief illness.   

No services are currently planned though there may be a celebration of life service at a later date.
I am personally crushed by this news as I'm sure many of you are as well, and I wish my deepest condolences to you all.

Dave
Last edit: 24 Sept 2026, 13:00 by steamer
Don1966
Reply #2 · 24 Sept 2026, 14:28
Eric was a friend and a great joker and he will be missed. I always tried to see him when in Tennessee. RIP my friend.

Don
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Roger B
Reply #6 · 24 Sept 2026, 15:32
I'm sorry to hear that, he was a good man  :(  :(  :(  :wine1:  not whiskey but close enough
Jo
Reply #7 · 24 Sept 2026, 15:45
He always liked trying to wind me up.  :disappointed: Him and Stan Shires get them together and  :facepalm:

You might remember I used to call him "Big E" this was because in the UK his chosen nickname is not used, so the first time I read it I wondered "Why would someone want to name themselves after a private part of the female anatomy  :headscratch: Once I had miss read it I always was reminded of it each time he posted  :facepalm2:. 

And I still remember his misses forcing him to sell his soft top car because he was using it to pick up young ladies.

We have been missing his humour, how he "educated us" and hoped he would return.

Jo
Dave Otto
Reply #8 · 24 Sept 2026, 16:21
I think anyone who has been here for a long while probably has some personal connection with Eric. I have a gift that me made me with the Close Enough logo engraved in it, I will always cherish it. Eric purchased an unfinished Bill Harris Steam Donkey from me, I was never going to get back to it. He told me that he would probably never finish it either, he just wanted to have something that I had made.

Not to get the post off track but I wonder quite often what ever happened to, Stan Shire, Z Programmer, Bill Lindsey, and the list goes on. I guess it is the nature of forums, people come and go, and some make a lasting impression.
RIP Eric, I hope where ever you end up they have good BBQ and quality whiskey.  :cheers:

Dave
steamer
Reply #9 · 24 Sept 2026, 16:25
Quote from: Dave OttoI think anyone who has been here for a long while probably has some personal connection with Eric. I have a gift that me made me with the Close Enough logo engraved in it, I will always cherish it. Eric purchased an unfinished Bill Harris Steam Donkey from me, I was never going to get back to it. He told me that he would probably never finish it either, he just wanted to have something that I had made.

Not to get the post off track but I wonder quite often what ever happened to, Stan Shire, Z Programmer, Bill Lindsey, and the list goes on. I guess it is the nature of forums, people come and go, and some make a lasting impression.
RIP Eric, I hope where ever you end up they have good BBQ and quality whiskey.  :cheers:

Dave


Stan passed a while back Dave...i reached out to Bill this morning at his old email.and let him know

Dave
krt2
Reply #10 · 24 Sept 2026, 16:49
Very sorry to hear about Eric.  My condolences go to all his family and everyone here who has lost a friend.

Kim
steamer
Reply #11 · 24 Sept 2026, 17:09
Quote from: Dave OttoI think anyone who has been here for a long while probably has some personal connection with Eric. I have a gift that me made me with the Close Enough logo engraved in it, I will always cherish it. Eric purchased an unfinished Bill Harris Steam Donkey from me, I was never going to get back to it. He told me that he would probably never finish it either, he just wanted to have something that I had made.

Not to get the post off track but I wonder quite often what ever happened to, Stan Shire, Z Programmer, Bill Lindsey, and the list goes on. I guess it is the nature of forums, people come and go, and some make a lasting impression.
RIP Eric, I hope where ever you end up they have good BBQ and quality whiskey.  :cheers:

Dave


I have a xouple of neat tools.from the Good Nuf machine shop...i smaill.when I use them

Dave
wagnmkr
Reply #12 · 24 Sept 2026, 17:21
So very sad to read this news. I always enjoyed his posts and his projects. R.I.P.

:cheers: :wine1: :cheers: 

Tom
b.lindsey
Reply #13 · 24 Sept 2026, 18:11
Many thanks to Steamer and Don for reaching out to me wit.h this news. Eric was unique in wonderful ways. I feel blessed that our lives crossed over a period  of years and I will always cherish the memories of those times.  Rest peacefully my friend.
Don1966
Reply #14 · 24 Sept 2026, 19:22
Eric’s granddaughter wrote this about here grandfather I wanted to share with you all. His business was Douglas and company in Springfield Tennessee.

I deeply regret to share with you all that our owner, founder, pit master, and the heart and soul of Douglas and Company, Eric Douglas, has passed. To allow Eric’s family and employees the space needed to process this, Douglas and Company will be closed beginning today, Thursday, September 24, and will reopen on Monday, September 28.

For many years, I have written posts to you all as a representative of Douglas and Company. Today, I write to you all as a granddaughter. Eric, my Pawpaw, took immense pride in the role he and his business have held in Robertson County for nearly 30 years. He poured all of himself into Douglas and Company, and it is evident from the legacy he has left in our small town. For many of you, you likely still refer to us as Douglas Amoco, because you have a history and memories tied to this business from years back.

I know that so many of you will share in the grief of my family because Eric was also part of your family through the meals you shared inside the store and the holiday meals you shared around your family table. We all deeply thank you for providing the type of customer support that small business owners dream of. You, the customers, allowed my grandfather’s dream to come to fruition.

In remembrance of my grandfather, I ask that you all pause today and share a meal with someone you love. My grandfather communicated his love and care through his cooking, something that extends beyond my family and into hundreds of families in Robertson County. In the busy lives we lead, may we never forget the power in stopping to share a meal, a moment, and to enjoy the presence of those we care about.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding. Our doors will reopen on Monday. We can’t wait to welcome you back in to honor the legacy of Eric Douglas.No

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