Charles Eric Foster, age 57 of Forest City died Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.  Eric was born on April 25, 1968, in Rutherford County and was a graduate of East Rutherford High School and Appalachian State University where he majored in history. 

He started his career as an announcer for radio station WBBO, and he later worked at Rutherford County Airport.  For many years he owned and operated Autowerks, a car repair shop in Rutherfordton before he began working for Bud Tanner as a Real Estate Appraiser.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Forest City where he was a founding member of the TV Ministry. He also attended Gilboa United Methodist Church with his late wife, Susan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Evans Crowder Foster, his brother, C. Evan Foster, III, and his stepson, Zachary Crowder.

Survivors include his parents, Claude Evan Foster, Jr. and Jerre Thompson Foster of the home, his aunt, Nan Thompson of the home, his uncle, Van Thompson of Matthews, NC, his step-daughter, Kasey Hughes, his step daughter-in-law, Tracie Crowder,  step son-in-law, Steven Hughes, and his step-grandchildren, Kiley Ford, Jacob Hughes, Finley Hughes, and Evyn Crowder.  There are also many close cousins and friends that survive.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Forest City with the Reverend Dr. Joey Faucette, Reverend MacKenzie Gray, and Reverend Dr. Garin Hill officiating.  Interment will follow at the Cool Springs Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o’clock on Friday evening at Padgett and King Mortuary.

Eric’s request was no flowers please but instead donate to Neighbors Food Pantry, c/o Faye M. Nichols, 185 Hazelwood Drive, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 to support a mission that he was so passionate about.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com