Echols
ST. SIMONS ISLAND — Mr. 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 June 29, 1943 in Jesup, Echols had lived all of his life in Patterson. He was a 1961 graduate of Patterson High School. Echols 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.
Echols 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 instrumentrated pilot who enjoyed flying. His most favorite pastime was spending time with friends and family around Patterson, St. Simons and Warrenton, N.C. He was a member of Patterson Baptist Church.
Echols was a son of the late Earl Edward and Clara Hudson Thomas Echols, Sr.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Nancy Harris Echols of St. Simons Island; three sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Edward “Ted” and Margaret Echols, Jr. of Warrenton, Ga., John Thomas “Harris” and Tricia Echols of Blackshear and James Ivey “Jake” and Kelli Echols of Patterson; a brother, Earl Edward Echols, Jr. of Patterson; nine grandchildren, Edie, Tom, Thomas, Luke, Jack, Sarah Kate, Addyson Rose, Ivey and Jake; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 31 from the Patterson Baptist Church with the Rev. R.C. James, Mr. Lindsay Thomas, and Mr. Dedi Thomas officiating.
The family will receive friends and family at the church one hour prior to the service. Echols will be interred in the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Inez, N.C.
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 Street, Patterson, 31557 or to Shady Grove Methodist Church, 2668 North Carolina Highway 58, Warrenton, N.C., 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.
