January 1, 1951 — December 23, 2022
Eric Neal Mumford was born January 1, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio the youngest of three children born to Forney, Sr. and Bernice [née Smith] Mumford. He grew up in a close-knit family with his brother, Forney Jr. and sister, Cathryn.
Eric was an outstanding athlete and leader. He excelled in football, becoming a team captain and first black quarterback at Shaker Heights HS. He was a decorated captain for Shaker’s track and basketball teams.
Eric received an athletic scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with a double major in accounting and finance.
An entrepreneur by nature, Eric started his own accounting firm after graduation. His family grew alongside his business, with four sons born to his first marriage to Dawn Decatur: Rakim, Kareem, Ihsaan, and Michael.
Eric Mumford with his wife, Lynn Toler.
Years later, after raising his four older boys and growing his business, Eric met the love of his life, Lynn Toler. They married in April 1989. From this union two sons were born: William ("Billy”) Toler and Xavier ("Zay") Mumford.
Eric relocated to Phoenix AZ when his wife resigned from her Cleveland Heights judgeship to star in Divorce Court.
Eric's life ended unexpectedly. He left to treasure his memory wife, Lynn Toler; sons: Rakim (aka "Dude"; Kiz), Kareem, Ihsaan (Kim), Michael, William & Xavier; grandchildren: Porter, Balance, Immanuel, Elijah, Ileia, Ellisa Elia Israel, Elena and Orion; siblings: Forney Jr. and Cathryn Mumford; sister-in-law: Kathy Toler; first cousins: Irene Tucker, Sandra Blanchard, Karen Bolden, Sandra Simpkins (John), John Foster, Jr., Warren Mantooth, Jr. (Gloria). Eric was uncle to Jessica Robinson, Kimberly McCallum (Duane), Robin Tucker, Dana Tucker, Daymon Mumford (d.), and Nathan Mumford [d.]; and great uncle to Jordon, Jarrod and Julian Robinson.
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