A funeral Mass for Fred Eckstein was held on Oct. 15 at Holy Cross Church in Pigeon Forge, with Father Ron Stone serving as the celebrant.
Mr. Eckstein, who died on Oct. 9 at the age of 66, was the seventh child of the late Charles and Edna Eckstein. He was raised in Delhi, Ohio, and moved to Sunman, Ind., as a teen.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Kathy.
Mr. Eckstein founded Commercial Door and Hardware (formerly Indiana Interiors) in 1989 and operated it for more than 30 years. He employed hundreds of individuals and touched the lives of thousands.
Mr. and Mrs. Eckstein moved to Tennessee to pursue their dreams. In 2003, he pursued his dream to become a private pilot. He shared his love of flying with family and friends. He also loved to entertain and share his home on the lake with family and friends.
Mr. Eckstein was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy, of Sevierville; his children, Mark Harrison of Knoxville and Tabitha (Keith) McKinney of Sevierville; his grandchildren, Ciera Harrison, Chaz (Amber) McKinney, Tori (Harris) Napier, and Preston McKinney; great-grandchildren, Bentlee and Maverick; siblings, Charles (Arlene) Eckstein, Henry (Kathy) Eckstein, Rita (Dale) Jacobs, Len (Marcia) Eckstein, Ken (Mary Lou) Eckstein, Tom (Michele Hon) Eckstein, Frank (Margie) Eckstein, Jeff (Amie) Eckstein; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. Eckstein was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna; sisters, Kathy Bender and Helen Rose; and a niece, Tammy Bender.
