“A mighty good guy is gone.”

The sudden death of Eric Mizell on Tuesday has shocked and saddened the Troy community and left it in a state of disbelief.

Mizell had coached a flag football game on Monday night and, from all indications, he was the healthiest guy around, said close friend Julius Pittman.

“Eric loved his family; he was a family oriented guy and just an all-around good guy,” Pittman said. “He loved everything about Troy. He was from Mississippi but he found a home here.”

Mizell came to Troy University to play football for Troy University and fell in love with the university and the community. He played offensive line for the Trojans in 1990 and 1991and graduated with a business degree in 1993.

He was a wealth manager with Henderson Wealth Management at Troy Bank & Trust. “The Troy Bank & Trust family was deeply saddened to learn of Eric’s passing. He was a vital part of our Financial Services department, a community volunteer, a caring friend and a loyal Troy Trojan. We will miss him very much,” said Jeff Kervin, president and CEO of Troy Bank & Trust.

“Eric loved Troy University,” said Faith Ward, alumni director. “He was a Lifetime member of the Troy University Alumni Association and had been a member of the Alumni Board since December of 2012 and was on the Trojan Warrior Council.”

He also was president of Troy University’s T-Club and had been an officer of the Lettermen’s Club since it was founded in 2006.

Mizell was from Lucedale, Mississippi, and was elated over the Trojans’ recent gridiron win over Southern Mississippi, Ward said.

“A lot of Eric’s friends attended Southern Mississippi because it was so close,” Ward said. “Eric was so excited – elated – that Troy had finally beaten Southern Mississippi. He said it was one of the best days of his life. He was a great supporter of Troy University, and he will be greatly missed.”

Troy University Athletic Director Jeremy McClain said when he came to the university a year ago, Mizell was unbelievably welcoming.

“Eric was willing to do anything for the university at the drop of a hat,” McClain said. “The main thing for us is that he was a true Trojan. He loved Troy athletics. He was an amazing husband and father and an amazing friend. He will be greatly missed. The whole Troy athletic family has his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Mizell was not just a friend of the university. He was a friend of the community at large as well as his neighborhood.

“Eric is a member of the Troy City Schools Education Foundation and served as the secretary for the West College Street Historical Association,” said Candice Howard- Shaughnessy, president of both boards who offered prayers on their behalf.

“Eric was passionate about making a difference in the school system his children attend and the neighborhood in which he lived. He was a devoted board member to both boards, wanting to see a wide array of educational opportunities provided to students in the TCS system and the beauty and history of the historic district preserved,” she said.

Shaughnessy said Mizell always provided a different perspective on issues, often a laugh, and always an update on his four children, twin boys and twin girls, which he adored.

“Eric was an asset to the foundation, the historic district and the community of Troy,” she said. “But more importantly a devoted husband, father and friend. Our friend will be greatly missed.”