Earl Eric Padilla

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."    2 Timothy 4:7

Earl Eric Padilla, 71, peacefully passed into eternity to be with Jesus on December 5, 2021. He was born in Albuquerque on July 19, 1950, to the late Johnnie and Flora (Pino) Padilla. He attended Highland High School until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps., where he proudly served for three years. When he returned to Albuquerque, in 1971, he met the love of his life and best friend, Sheryl Tanner. They were happily married for 47 years. He chose a career in transport. He was the best trucker on the road. He drove over 3 million miles accident free. He was an awesome father to two girls, Laura and Kristyn. They took regular lakeside camping trips and had many motorcycle adventures. He loved God, his family, and his church, where he served as a board member for many years. He was a great friend to many and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed being a grandpa and was completely proud of his 5 grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl Padilla, his daughter, Laura Smith and husband, Phillip, and their two children, Victoria and Lincoln, his daughter, Kristyn Padilla, and her three sons, Ryan, Dane, and Dylan Garrett, his brothers, Richard Padilla, Danny Padilla and wife, Janet, his sisters, Janice Simpson and husband, Jeff, JoAnn McCallister and husband, Danny, Yvette Roney, and many fantastic nieces and nephews. He was blessed to be a part of such an amazing and loving family. His final earthly resting place is at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

Services have already been held.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name.