Eric Robert Hume

Eric Robert Hume, 51, of Smithfield, Virginia passed away in a tragic accident on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. He was born in Wooster, Ohio to Robert Lee Hume and Marcia Cameron Hume, and lived most of his life in and near Raleigh, NC. He is survived by his wife Yvette McMurray Hume; her children, Colby Thomas O’Reilly and Nicholas Michael O’Reilly; sister, Lisa H. Walker (Torian); brother, Scott Hume (Tanya); half-brother, David Hume; and several nieces and nephews.

Eric graduated Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1995 with a B.S. in Aeronautical Sciences. He was an accomplished aviator for over 26 years. He flew a variety of aircraft for various government and private organizations across the globe. His latest endeavor was piloting a private jet for a family corporation in Jackson, Mississippi. His true passion was flying, and he considered himself lucky to have landed this dream job.

Those who knew Eric would describe him as a humble, unassuming, shirt off his back kind of guy. He worked hard but played harder. When he wasn’t flying, you could find Eric at Fox Ridge Farm on his favorite Kubota tractor. “The Shop” at the farm became a second home for many because of his presence. He would sit with friends, family and numerous dogs telling stories of his times abroad. Unbeknownst to him, he became a mentor to so many. Eric was a thoughtful man who would go out of his way to do the little things for others. He always took the time to ask, “anything new there?”

Eric will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He will always be remembered for his love of aviation and his kid-at-heart attitude.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 2:00-5:00p.m. at Fox Ridge Farm in Smithfield, VA. Friends and family are invited to join in a time of remembrance. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter 13044 Poor House Road Windsor, VA 23487. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com