Originally from Marietta, Ohio, Eric Denton graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 1986 with a BS in English education. The following year, he earned his M.Ed. in reading education before beginning his teaching and coaching career in Franklin, Virginia that fall. This is where Eric met his wife Susan and where the couple began their family. In 1997 they moved to Goose Creek to continue raising their two boys, Sam and Joe, and pursuing their careers in education and ministry. Eric and his wife love the Lord, Jesus Christ, and have endeavored to serve Him through every aspect of their daily lives.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been happily married to my wife Susan since 1988. Susan is the Instructional Coach at Foxbank Elementary School. We have two sons, Sam and Joe, who are 30 and 27 respectively. They both continue to live and work in Moncks Corner.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have held many roles, including English teacher, coach, pastor, and facilitator. I played quarterback from fifth grade through my five years at Slippery Rock and was co-captain of the team during my final year at Slippery Rock. After moving to Goose Creek, I worked as a teacher and Title I Facilitator in the Berkeley County School District until 2006, when I became the headmaster of St. John’s Christian Academy, a role I have held for the past 15 1/2 years. I love the students, faculty, staff, and families that I get to interact with every day. Most of all, I appreciate the opportunities that I have to point them toward Jesus.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Page’s Okra Grill and Cinco de Mayo
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked in Berkeley County since 1997.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Pastor Michael Lowry is my friend, my mentor, and the smartest man I know.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would like to travel to Wyoming and to Yellowstone National Park to experience the western scenery and wildlife.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Longmire
Q: What advice would you give to people?
God gives us opportunities every day to influence someone else’s life for better or for worse. Choose the former.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To see my sons thrive, flourish, get married, and hopefully, give Susan and me some grandchildren.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The SJCA worship team
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
St. John’s Christian Academy
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would like to have lunch at Chick-Fil-A with Pastor David Jeremiah to glean from his experience, faith, and spiritual knowledge.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like walking my dogs with my wife at the dike around Lake Moultrie.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still going strong, leading, learning, loving, and pointing people to Christ.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am naturally an introvert, and I used to fear speaking in public so badly that I would shake uncontrollably.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ketchikan, Alaska
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October, Easter, the first day of the college football season
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Ohio State Buckeyes
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Susan
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Before COVID it was coffee… not so much anymore.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, acceptance, and love
