Norman T. Echols

Norman Thompson Echols, Sr. Mr. Norman Thompson Echols, Sr., 77, passed away Monday afternoon, July 11, 2016, at his home. Mr. Echols was born in Elberton, and had lived in Wilkes County for most of his life.He was the son of Harold M. Echols, Sr. and Berda Smith Echols.He was the husband of Joan Kennedy Echols.Mr. Echols was a retired foreman with the Wilkes County Road Department and Wilkes County Landfill.He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Lafayette Lodge #23, and was a Shriner. He served as the Mayor of Rayle for 16 years, and was a member of the Sardis Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon Emeritus. Mr. Echols is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan K. Echols, of Rayle; three sons, Norman T. Echols, Jr., and wife Regina, of Jacksonville, FL, Shane Echols, and wife Carol, Germantown, MD, and Jason Echols and Clinton Gunnoe IV, of Rayle; six grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11:00amFriday, July 15, 2016, at the Sardis Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Newsome, Dr. John Mark Carpenter, and Chip Keller officiating.Burial with Masonic Rites will follow at the church cemetery.There will be a one hour visitation Friday morning at the church from 10:00am until the time of the service. Active pallbearers will be Lynn Armour, Barry Armour, Tracy Armour, Greg Armour, Boyce Hall, and Trey Echols.Deacons of Sardis Baptist Church will be honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or to Compassionate Care Hospice of Athens.