Thomas Edward “Eddie” Echols, 81, of St. Simons Island, formerly of Patterson, passed away peacefully after an extended illness early Saturday morning, January 18, 2025, at his home on St. Simons Island.
Born in Jesup, June 29, 1943, he had lived all of his life in Patterson. He was a 1961 graduate of Patterson High School, where he was a four-year letterman on the Patterson Eagles football team. After graduation, he attended Gordon Military College and later graduated from the University of Georgia. He co-owned and operated Echo Enterprises, a construction company specializing in building bridges and site preparation for the replanting of timber for paper companies around the Okefenokee Swamp as well as across Georgia, Florida, and North and South Carolina, but also as far away as New Mexico. He was an instrument-rated pilot and enjoyed flying. His most favorite pastime was spending time with friends and family around Patterson, St. Simons and Warrenton, NC. He was a member of Patterson Baptist Church.
He was a son of the late Earl Edward Sr. and Clara Hudson Thomas Echols.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Nancy Harris Echols,, St. Simons Island; three sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Edward “Ted” Jr. and Margaret Echols, Warrenton, John Thomas “Harris” and Tricia Echols, Blackshear, and James Ivey “Jake” and Kelli Echols, Patterson; a brother, Earl Edward Echols Jr., Patterson; nine grandchildren, Edie, Tom, Thomas, Luke, Jack, Sarah Kate, Addyson Rose, Ivey and Jake and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Patterson Baptist Church.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, from the Patterson Baptist Church with the Rev. R.C. James, Lindsay Thomas and Dedi Thomas officiating.
Interment will be in the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Inez, NC.
Over the past few years, many people have played an important role in his care. Special thanks go to Georgia Hospice Care, including nurses, doctors, and numerous aides. Heartfelt gratitude also goes to his caregivers who stayed with him daily.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Patterson Baptist Church, 5770 E. Main St., Patterson, GA 31557 or to Shady Grove Methodist Church, 2668 North Carolina Highway 58, Warrenton, NC 27589.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
