In Loving Memory of Eric South (1978-2023)

Eric Scott South, 45, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on August 31, 2023, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. 

Eric was born on April 3, 1978, in Wheeling, West Virginia to Marlene and Rick South. He graduated from John Marshall High School and West Virginia University. Moving to Tennessee after college, Eric worked nearly twenty years in consulting and staffing for the information technology field. He spent the majority of his career with Robert Half, serving most recently as the Nashville-based Regional Vice President. Outside of work, he treasured time with his family and friends, and he loved to play golf, baseball, and poker. He was most often found cheering on his hometown teams: the West Virginia Mountaineers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

In February 2021, Eric was diagnosed with a grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor. Because of his commitment to promoting research to find a cure, Eric enrolled in numerous clinical trials, including undergoing multiple surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and novel treatments. He was so grateful for the teams at MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of California Los Angeles, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the outstanding care he received.

Eric fought with courage and determination, and he never gave up hope. He was an inspiration to his family, friends, and the entire GBM community. His legacy will live on through Gladiator Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that Eric founded just after his initial diagnosis. Gladiator Project will carry on Eric’s vision of raising awareness and funding for GBM research and patient support. From beginning to end, Eric used his own battle as a way to improve the lives of others.

Eric is survived by his wife, Leslie; sons Charlie and Marshall, his pride and joy; parents Marlene and Rick; sister Marcie Robbins (David) and nephew Carter Robbins; in-laws Dana and Kirk Shaffer and brother Jackson Shaffer; in-law Caren Shaffer; a host of loving family members and friends in West Virginia and across the world; the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi; and all of Team Gladiator that rallied behind him throughout this journey. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 17, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, with visitation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gladiator Project. www.gladiatorproject.org/donate