Eric L. McIntyre

Eric L. McIntyre was born Saturday June 17, 1978, the only child from the union of Boyd D. McIntyre and Mary Catherine Millet McIntyre. He was born at South Chicago Community Hospital in Chicago, IL. Eric faced and overcame many obstacles in life at a very early age including spinal meningitis, severe asthma, chronic pneumonia, semi-club foot requiring him to wear braces on his feet, and corrective shoes, all in the first year of his life. He showed this same determination when facing the many obstacles that laid ahead later in his life as well. Eric accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Bishop Vesta L. Dixon of Evening Star MB Church in Chicago, IL. In his early years, Eric displayed his exceptional intelligence. He was an honor roll student who skipped multiple grades. He was artistically inclined and shared his gift of words through his autobiography at the age of 14. These accomplishments earned him a scholarship to St. Hales Franciscan High School, a prestigious all-male college preparatory school. Eric had a magnetic personality and an infectious spirit that shined through in everything he did. As a teenager, Eric moved to a historically black community in Wisconsin called Lake Ivanhoe, to live with his great-grandmother, Mrs. Ella Eva Pious, who preceded him in death. Lake Ivanhoe soon became his home, where he made many lifelong friends and impacted the lives of many. He was a graduate of Badger High School in Lake Geneva, WI. Eric was well-known and beloved for his undeniable charisma, sense of humor and quick wit. Eric was not just the life of the party, he was the party. He always took pride in ensuring that a good time was had by all. It brought him much joy to improve anyone’s situation. His greatest sources of joy and pride were his 2 beautiful children, Caitlin and Ty Anthony. They were his greatest accomplishments. Eric battled many demons in this life, which ultimately landed him in prison. Eric was not ashamed of his incarceration, because he used his time as “a guest of the State of Wisconsin” to cultivate an unshakable faith and solidify a closer relationship with God. This caused Eric to answer the call to ministry and earn his Doctorate of Divinity degree. Despite his circumstances, he did remarkable things. He co-created and co-founded The Pen Project, a magazine devoted to being a voice to at-risk youth and the incarcerated. Amongst the poetry and inspirational messages featured in this publication was his heartfelt tribute to his daughter titled Dear Daughter. He also showcased his passion for music, playing bass guitar with the Five Thirteen Free band and composing a full album. One of his best kept secrets was a song he released that is still available on a streaming platform today. Eric moved to Marshfield, WI in September of 2023 to work for a Christian-based company. Though his time in Marshfield was short, his impact on the community was profound. He found a church home and family at Faith Fellowship, where he participated in men’s conferences, bible studies, and fellowship classes. He often participated in local men’s ministry groups involving members of Bluff View Church and other local churches. Eric used his life story, testimonies and biblical wisdom to encourage and mentor people of any age. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dennis “Daddy” R. Millet, Sr., Constance Rose Millet and Julia Parker, his great-grandparents, Ella Eva Pious, Percy Lasley, Mary Eugenia Rivers, Kermit Millet, Sr., and a very special mother figure, Mrs. Willie Lee Perry. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Mary C. McIntyre and Boyd D. McIntyre, his “sisters” Lynne McIntyre, Denise Millet and Vanessa Hicks (Rashad), his children, Caitlin and Ty Anthony, his better half, ChaKuan and a host of relatives and friends. He touched the lives of so many. His legacy will live on forever through his love for his family, friends, his music and his poetry.

Eric L. McIntyre

June 17, 1978 - April 19, 2024