Why we chose the island… or why the island chose us:
When looking at the lake from Eric’s house, the first thing you see is this beautiful island with no registered name; just a number. Our family over the years has come to call it Eric’s Island. It’s a focal point that reminds us of Eric and who he was to everyone around him. His life on earth was exceptionally brief and reminds us that we are n
ot in control of how long we have someone with us, no matter how good or loving a person may be. Our town is full of memories and precious stories of Eric. Memories of him in a canoe playing his guitar up and down the cliffs at Miller’s Mansion or swimming to the island and day trekking. In a whimsical way, one might wonder if the island has memories of Eric. The lake was a very big part of Eric and he spent countless hours on the cliffs, just across from the island. We’re sure he must have had a favorite rock to perch and dream on. We are sure the island could tell us which one. We like to think the island could tell us a lot. Perhaps how it watched Eric as a child playing in the water; how he romanced his first girlfriend, or even how he was respectful of nature as he trekked around on the island. Eric was one to stand out; his respect for others is what most people remember him by. That’s what Eric was about and, just maybe, the island saw that too. There have been countless photos taken in Eric’s yard over the years and the island is always there...as though it’s standing in Eric’s place. Years after his death, we had our largest family picture taken in his front yard. Although it wasn’t planned… there with everyone squeezed in the photo, there was only one opening to see the lake. Guess who was there… Eric’s Island; standing proud and tall, letting us know that he is with us. So who is Eric? Eric was born on December 21, 1984. His mother’s family grew up camping at JFK Park and Old HWY 25 Rec Area, so Eric started creating happy memories in Heber Springs as early as 6 moths old. In November of 1992, Eric’s family moved to Heber where he began the second grade. He loved Heber and spent many hours on the Little Red river and Greer's Ferry Lake. Many of those hours were spent near the cliffs and at or near what is now known as Eric’s Island. Eric enjoyed fishing, swimming, and boating with family and friends. He also loved sports and was #60 on the Heber Springs Panther football team. He found pleasure in playing his guitar (“Ole Brown Eyes”), riding his motorcycle, and welding. After graduating Heber Springs High School in 2003, Eric attended ASU Jonesboro and ASU Heber Springs. He was a hard worker and usually had two jobs. His first job was at age 16 at the town’s Sav A Lot. Most locals would remember him best from delivering pizza with Pizza Piezazz in the “Red Rocket”. Tragically, in April 2006, Eric Davis lost his life in a car accident. He only enjoyed 21 years on this earth, but those years were full and left lasting memories for so many people. His passion for the unfortunate and distain for bullies touched lives throughout the community and his fierce devotion to his family and friends exposed honor and character beyond his years. Eric’s Island was a big part of the scenery that composed his life… and now his legacy.
