In the heart of Tennessee, where the rolling hills of Pulaski and Summertown weave stories of community and resilience, a profound silence has fallen. On Friday, August 8, 2025, the vibrant life of Eric Stoll, a cherished father, devoted husband, and visionary business owner, was tragically cut short in an accident that has left these tight-knit communities in mourning. The loss of Eric, the driving force behind Old South Wood Preserving, LLC, has sent ripples of grief through the region, touching the hearts of family, friends, colleagues, and countless others who were blessed to know him.

Eric Stoll was more than a businessman; he was a cornerstone of his community, a man whose generosity, integrity, and boundless energy illuminated every room he entered. As the owner of Old South Wood Preserving, located at 4907 Highway 43 North in Summertown, Eric transformed a vision into reality with a $5 million investment that created over 35 jobs and brought high-quality, pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine lumber to 49 states. His company, founded in 2021, stood as a testament to his relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence, serving the post-frame building and fencing industries with unmatched reliability. Yet, it was his ability to lead with humility and heart that truly set him apart.
The details of the accident in Pulaski remain scarce, with authorities yet to release a full account of the events that unfolded that fateful day. What is clear, however, is the void Eric’s passing has left. Old South Wood Preserving, LLC released a poignant statement that captured the essence of their leader: “Eric was a servant leader and friend whose vision and kindness touched us all. His passion, integrity, and dedication shaped our company and inspired all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Eric’s influence stretched far beyond the lumber yards of Old South Wood. As the son of John Stoll, founder of Summertown Metals, and brother to its current owners, Eric’s roots in the region ran deep. His early career at Summertown Metals helped shape the company’s values, blending innovation with a commitment to community. Matt Stoll, speaking for the Summertown Metals family, shared a moving tribute: “He lived his life with abandon, integrity, and dynamic energy. Eric’s leadership and vision played a key role in shaping who we are today, but his impact reached far beyond the world of business. His influence, kindness, and care for others will be remembered always.”

Those who knew Eric paint a vivid picture of a man who lived with purpose. He was a mentor to young men, a role he cherished deeply, as noted on his personal website, where he described his passion for guiding others as his true calling. Friends recall his infectious enthusiasm, his ability to make everyone feel valued, and his unwavering faith that guided his every step. Whether he was negotiating with vendors, cheering at his children’s events, or lending a hand to a neighbor, Eric approached life with a rare blend of intensity and compassion.

Eric leaves behind his beloved wife, Frieda, and their children, including their youngest, Gilbert John Stoll, born in March 2022. His family was his anchor, and despite the demands of building a thriving business, he always carved out time for them. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Old South Wood in October 2022, Eric thanked his wife and children for their patience during the long nights and weekends he spent getting the business off the ground, a moment that underscored his deep gratitude for their support.

The Summertown and Pulaski communities have rallied around Eric’s memory, with tributes pouring in from all corners. The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, which celebrated Old South Wood’s opening, lauded Eric as a leader who uplifted others. County Executive David Morgan, reflecting on the company’s rapid growth, noted, “It’s been exciting to see this come up out of the ground… It’s a testament to how hard Eric and everyone on his team has worked.” The ribbon-cutting, attended by 75 friends, neighbors, and customers, was a celebration not just of a business, but of Eric’s ability to bring people together.

As plans for services and memorials remain pending, the community holds fast to the legacy Eric left behind. His life was a masterclass in balancing ambition with kindness, leadership with humility, and faith with action. From the lumber barns of Old South Wood to the hearts of those he mentored, Eric Stoll’s impact will endure, a reminder that one person’s light can shine brightly enough to guide a community through even the darkest of times. In Pulaski and Summertown, his memory will live on, carried in the stories, the laughter, and the love of those he touched.