Eric Anthony Penick Sr.

Penick, Eric Anthony Sr. - Age 71, of Grand Blanc, formerly of Garland, Texas, passed away April 16, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, April 25, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc. (The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Eric's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.) Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00AM - 12:00PM on Friday, April 25 until the service begins.

Eric was born September 21, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio. As Notre Dame’s starting running back in 1973, Penick scored two of the most important touchdowns in the storied history of Notre Dame football, but his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. Penick is well-known for his outstanding athletic career, but he was much more than that. Known and loved by many, Penick wore many hats. Mentor. Friend. Minister. Businessman. God-fearing servant. Husband. Brother. Son. Dad. Grandfather. Cousin.

Eric was married to Sandra Poole for 37 years. In his autobiography, A Notre Dame Man: The Life, Lore and Runs of Eric Penick, he proclaimed, "She (Sandra) was my sweetheart." She preceded him in death February 1, 2018.

He is survived by eight children, Erica Penick, Eric-Paul Penick (Dacy), Mikel-Claire Penick (Horace Murphy III), Jewel Nicole Penick Wagner Stram (Craig L. Stram Jr.), Eric Anthony Penick Jr., Krystal Maria Caslin Penick (Alec L. Sanders), Amber Penick (Velyncia Penick), and Jade Anna Penick; grandchildren, Cecily, Phil (Katie), Karanja Jr., Karan'Ja, Victoria, Kaylynn, Alyssa, Kaeson, Prince, Cairo, Bryson, Ayden, Lyric and Sofia; great-grandchildren, Eliana, K'Aidyn, Devinn, Kashton, Cael, Silas, Isla, Nick and Lily; sister Mosetta Penick; nephew, Donald Anthony; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mose H. Penick and Bertha (Caslin) Moon; wife, Sandra; stepbrother, Tommy; nieces, Donita and Bernadette.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.