The Oglethorpe University family grieves the death of former golfer and current assistant coach Eric Quinn '13.
Eric, 32, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 1.
Eric was a member of the 2012 NCAA Division III National Championship-winning Oglethorpe men's golf team and helped the Petrels earn the No. 1 national ranking for much of the 2012-13 season. He was the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) player of the year in 2012, an all-American in 2013, and ranks fifth all-time in Oglethorpe history with four major tournament wins in his career.
A two-year captain for the Stormy Petrels, Eric made the all-conference team all four years of his career and set the SCAC championship record for best first-round score of 67 in 2012. His 54-hole score of 213 ranks No. 3 all-time for SCAC championship scoring.
"Oglethorpe will never be the same," said head golf coach Jim Owen, who recruited Eric from Norcross High School in 2009. "The loss of Eric has created a void that will not be replaced. Eric loved Oglethorpe unconditionally and thought about what he could do to make us a better place every day. All of us love Oglethorpe; Eric lived Oglethorpe. The legacy he left us will live on forever."
Following his decorated playing career, Eric graduated from Oglethorpe with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics before competing on the mini-tour circuit around Georgia. He competed in many events on the Peach State Pro Tour and the Open Golf Atlanta Tour. His best finishes were fourth place at the Trophy Club of Atlanta Championship in 2013 and 2015.
Eric returned to Oglethorpe in 2015 as assistant golf coach, primarily assisting on the women's side. During seven seasons with his Alma Mater, Eric helped lead the Petrels to unprecedented success, including seeing the women's program's first all-America first team selection, Sarah Hsu, under his watch.
Eric is survived by his parents, Mike and Kathy Quinn, his sisters, Rebecca and Kelley, and his wife, Barbara.
"The world lost some of its brightness when we lost Eric," said Alex Richey, Oglethorpe women's basketball coach and long-time friend, "but his legacy will always be able to bring a smile to those who knew and loved him."
Information and updates on services and other memorial arrangements will be provided as it becomes available. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Oglethorpe University in honor of Eric. Your contributions will help perpetuate Eric's legacy and support the areas of Oglethorpe that held a special place in his heart. Please include Eric's name in the note when making your gift, allowing us to commemorate his memory in a meaningful and lasting way. Your generosity will be a fitting tribute to his life and the values he held dear.
Update: Wake and viewing services will be held Sunday, Nov. 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Woodstock Funeral Home - 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188. The funeral will be held Monday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park.
