MSGT Eric Strom Haley, USMC Ret., 73, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Bay Pines VA Health Care System.
Born in Portsmouth, VA, he moved here from No. Carolina in 1981 after he retired as a Master Sergeant in the US Marine Corps with 23 years of service. He was a Vietnam Veteran and Past Commander of VFW Post 4364 and AmVets Post 8. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Masons. He enjoyed yardwork and gardening.
Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Gail; two sons, Eric and Steve of Colorado; two daughters, Kathy Kirk of No. Carolina and Adele Harriet of St. Petersburg, FL; step daughter, Samantha Sharp of St. Petersburg; sister Kay Greenwood of Maine; and six grandchildren.
Military Honors will be presented at Bay Pines National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Guestbook Entries
Date: Apr 18, 2012
Name: Becky Goodrich
Entry: Gail my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Eric was a warm, cheerful and support friend to many. He always made me laugh and was also there to talk to when I needed someone. He will be deeply missed.
Date: Apr 18, 2012
Name: Diane Blanchette
Entry: Dear Gail; I was so sorry to hear about the death of your husband. Prayers for you and your family at this time.Take care-Love, Diane.
Date: Apr 18, 2012
Name: Iris Printz
Entry: To my dear sweet cousin. Your passing has left a hole in my heart. You were so special and my best buddy. Thank you for loving me. I will always love you. Iris
Date: Apr 17, 2012
Name: Eleanor Solari
Entry: So sorry for your lost Gail.
Eric, I'm sure your up there working on a beautiful garden ,just like you and Gail did every day,and now your still beside Gail as she carries on.
Date: Apr 17, 2012
Name: Roberta Kolb
Entry: My thoughts and prayers are with you Gail and your family. Eric always made me smile with his wonderful sense of humor. Our daily "good morning wave" when I past your house while you both were having your breakfast and I was walking Risa was a great morning start. I'll miss seeing him sitting at the table with you through your window. He was a great man. Please let me know if you need anything!
Date: Apr 16, 2012
Name: Bill and Michelle Devlin
Entry: Dear Gail and all of your family,
Thinking of you all during what is such an extremely difficult time. "May your grieving be short, and your memories long"... Eric did so many nice things for Post 8 that will not be forgotten.
Bill and Michelle Devlin
Date: Apr 16, 2012
Name: Kris Feld
Entry: Gail,
My prayers are with you, if you need anything you know how to get in touch with me. I will miss Eric coming into the clinic, you know he is one my "favorites" hard to say your name with out saying his, remember the love you shared, his sense of humor, that impish grin of his, and always remember his determination to make you smile. Love ya kiddo.
Kris
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Name: Frank & Donna Hakler
Entry: We love you and will always miss you. You are the hero of the girls of Auxiliary 8 and will NEVER be forgotten. I know you will be keeping an eye on us. I know you are resting in the arms of the angels. We are grateful that we knew you. You made a difference is so many lives. Love always.
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Name: gary clark
Entry: my deepest sympathy to the family another good soldier taken away to soon RIP
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Name: Marlene Couture & Linda Dyer
Entry: Loving memories of a favorite Neighbor.
I (Linda) want to say thank you for making me smile every morning at 6:30 am with a wave on my way to work. What a wonderful way to start a day.
Gail, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Name: Sue Carney
Entry: My sympathy to Eric's wife and children. He will be missed by many people.
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Name: Bonnie Clark
Entry: I will miss his humor, his laughter,and most of all his good morning waves each day I left for work. He was a great neighbor. Gail you are in our prayers and know that we are her for you.
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Name: Naomi Lee
Entry: Dear Gail, I'm so sorry to hear about Eric, he was my favorite and the first person I met when moving to Victory Estate. He will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you, he was such a young age, and such a dear person. My love is with you Naomi Lee
Date: Apr 13, 2012
Name: Rick Speidel
Entry: My friend will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi Eric!!
