Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
Eric Hembree
Eric William Hembree, known affectionately as "Bubby", age 43 formerly of Westerville, left this world on March 30, 2025, at 12:22 pm in Celina, exactly as he lived - on his own terms, in true Eric fashion.
He was born on June 18, 1981 to Dan and Cindy (Nash) Hembree in Coldwater. Eric's life was marked by his enormous heart, boundless personality, and a fierce devotion to those he loved.
Eric graduated from Celina High School with the class of 2000. His journey in life led him to become a well respected and beloved hairstylist in Westerville, after graduating from the Ohio State Beauty Academy. For over 20 years, Eric brought his passion for creativity and craft to those that sat in his chair. In 2024, he achieved his lifelong dream of having his own space to create, a reflection of his dedication and hard work. Eric wasn't just a person to those that did sit in his chair - he was their confidante, friend, and therapist. Eric had an uncanny ability to listen and make people feel like the only one in the room. He gave the best hugs, and for those lucky enough to be in his life, his love and loyalty were fierce and unwavering.
Eric's family was everything to him. He is survived by his parents, who loved him deeply, his sister Shelly Bergman who was not only his sibling but his best friend. Together, Shelly and Eric shared a bond that spanned their entire lives, supporting each other through thick and thin. Shelly's husband, Jay and their three sons, Clayton, Cory, and Ian, were Eric's pride and joy. Though Eric longed to be a dad, he poured his loved into his nephews, who will always remember the deep affection and joy he brought into their lives.
Eric's love for his dogs, Buddy and Annie, was also immense. They were his companions, his children, and a source of joy. He lived with a loud and unapologetic spirit, always opinionated and sometimes wrong, yet never afraid to speak his mind. His unique personality, warmth, and humor made him unforgettable to those who truly knew him. He was kind, loving, and always there when you needed him, with a heart bigger than anyone could imagine.
Eric is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bill and Phyllis (Raudenbush) Nash, and fraternal grandmother, Coma Jewel Drew. Eric will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Lehman Dzendzel Funeral Home, with Rev. Bruce Head officiating. Burial will be held in the North Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Friends and family may call for a memorial gathering from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on Friday, April 4, 2025 and 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. on Saturday at the Lehman Dzendzel Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County 218 S. Main St. Celina, OH 45822 or EverHeart Hospice 1350 N. Broadway St. Greenville, OH 45331.
Condolences may be shared with the Hembree family on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.
