Eric DeShawn Fears

Eric Deshawn Fears, Sr., was born on September 16, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Willie B. Fears, Jr., and Erica Tillman-Barron. From the time he arrived, it was clear that some of the many gifts he brought into this world were those of smiling, and making others smile and laugh.

A 2010 graduate of Central High School in Little Rock, Eric completed post-secondary studies at University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Arkansas State University. Never afraid of getting in front of a crowd, Eric (“Big E”) later parlayed his fun, charismatic personality, and good looks onto the professional comedy stage both as a comedian and show host. But most of his friends and family will remember his jokes and “foolery” on social media. Indeed, he seldom missed a day posting jokes and getting into debates about the SM topic of the day. He had one goal: to make the best out of any situation, good or bad.

A quick scroll through his social media also shows how much Eric loved his family, especially his sons, Eric Jr., and twins, Eason and Emir. Our family is forever grateful for their moms, Breauna “Bre” Allen, and Jada Devon Carter, for taking excellent care of his boys. Because of their mothers, they will be prepared to help carry the Fears name to new heights.

Eric transitioned to his new life on July 21, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Preceding him in death are his mother, Erica Tillman-Baron, his grandparents, Willie B., Sr., and Rebecca Fears, and Attorney Don Trimble, and his great-grandmother, Rose M. Penny. He admired and loved each of them dearly, especially his Grandaddy Willie B., for whom he served as his personal “accountant” as a little boy by using his strong math skills to count all of his pocket change and dollar bills each time he visited his grandparents in West Helena, Arkansas. Of course, his “Grandeddy” would tip him nicely each time he reported the balance.

Also left to cherish his memory are his father, Willie B. Fears Jr., and stepmother, Stephanie Fears; his grandmother, Vanessa Penny, and his three sons. He also leaves his brothers, Marcus Fears and Joshua Jones; sisters, Whitney Fears, Karen Fears, Destini Thomas, Elaina (Dearius) Young, Kayla Jones, Ashleigh Fears, Hayley Fears, and Elizabeth Fears; uncles, Cecil (Dorothy) Coleman, Kevin Tillman, Sr., Raymond Penny, and Timothy (Gabrielle) Trimble; and aunts, Dr. Lillie M. Fears, Phyllis Edwards (Gary), and Alberta Fears. Eric also was blessed to have in his life his stepfathers, Andre Jones, and Kendrick Barron; and his bonus grandmothers, Barbara Ann Hourston, Mary Joyner Nelson, and Carolyn Barron Nichols, and a host of other dear family members, and friends, who will miss his laughter and presence tremendously.