James E. Echols, 84, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Graveside services will be held 11 AM, Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Evergreen Cemetery, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Steve O’Neal and the Rev. Blane Jacobs officiating. The family will greet friends after the services.
Mr. Echols was born February 14, 1936, in Cobb County, Georgia, to the late Walter & Florene Dobbins Echols. He was a 1954 graduate of Fitzgerald High School, attended Georgia Tech and graduated from Southern Tech in 1958. Following graduation, Mr. Echols returned to Fitzgerald and worked for Fitzgerald Water Light and Bond. He would later work for Rainbow Manufacturing for 20 years and Dorminy Brothers for 38 years. He served in the National Guard for 9 years. He loved to travel with his wife and he even traveled the Middle East while working with Rainbow. Mr. Echols enjoyed his country place, being on the water and watching Georgia Tech football. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and attended First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ellene Echols of Fitzgerald; a sister, Rhomelle Reaves; nieces and nephews: Todd Reaves, Lisa Harbuck, Lena Wynn, Gene Hester, Joey Garrick, Bradley Bryan, Pam Bagley, Penny Powell, Kent Hester, Keith Hester, Kevin Hester, Keri Woodard, Tina Pridgen, Kathy Whaley and Cyndi Strickland. Numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews also survive.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to First Presbyterian Church, 234 Irwinville Highway, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, c/o Hasan Shrine, 1822 Palmyra Road, Albany GA 31701.
Due to COVID-19, all guests and attendees are requested to wear appropriate medical grade face-masks and to maintain social distancing at all times.