Eric Matthew Chaffins

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eric Matthew Chaffins, beloved father, brother, son, and friend, who left this world on April 1, 2026, at the age of 44. Born on May 15, 1981, in Ashland, Kentucky, Eric was a radiant light in the lives of those who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed by all. Eric was the cherished son of Datha Riffe and the late Raymond Chaffins. He was predeceased by his father, Eric Chaffins, and his beloved nephew, Elijah Kirk. Despite these losses, Eric's spirit remained unbroken, and he found comfort and joy in the company of his surviving family members: his children, Kelsey Sanford (Justin), Jacob Ratliff (Makala), and Alexis Chaffins (Wyatt), as well as his brother, Jeremy Chaffins (Tracy). Eric was a proud and loving grandfather to three precious grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. His nieces, Emmaleigh and Jaden Chaffins, and his dear friend, Thomas Cowart, along with many aunts and uncles, will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. Eric graduated from Russell High School in 1999, setting forth on a path that would lead him to a distinguished military career. His patriotism and sense of duty were evident as he served his country with honor as an E5 in the US Army from 2002 to 2016, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Eric’s dedication to his fellow soldiers and his country was unwavering, embodying the values of courage and commitment that defined his character. Beyond his military service, Eric was a man who cherished life's simple pleasures. He found great joy in cooking, and his culinary creations were a testament to his love for bringing people together around the table. Eric was an avid fan of the show "Jeopardy" and took pride in cheering on his favorite team, the Cincinnati Bengals, through every season. His love for music was a constant presence in his life, with the sounds of Lynard Skynard, the Grateful Dead, and Eric Church often filling the air wherever he went. Eric was a simple man who found joy in the simple things. He had a profound love for people and cherished long, meaningful conversations that often lingered into the night. His warmth, kindness, and genuine nature touched the lives of everyone he met, leaving a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come. As we say goodbye to Eric Matthew Chaffins, we honor the legacy of a life well-lived. Let us remember the joy he brought, the love he shared, and the memories he created. His journey on this earth may have ended, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A celebration of Eric's life will be held [date and location to be determined], where friends and family will gather to honor and remember a truly remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eric's name to a charity supporting veterans or any cause close to his heart. Rest in peace, dear Eric. Your legacy of love, courage, and joy will live on forever.