Thomas Matthew Echols Jr.

On October 15th, the world lost a great man and Heaven gained a superman, as Thomas Matthew Echols, Jr. was called home to be with his Lord & Savior at the age of 58. Tommy leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion.

He was born on September 2nd, 1966, in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Kellye Coleman Echols, his daughter and son-in-law Lauren and Mark Gottsacker, his daughter Alex Ann Echols, his daughter Presley Alise Echols, his sister and brother-in-law Molly and George Jones, his sister and brother-in-law Clair and Jerry Bullard, his twin-sister Amy Barbles, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Anna Henderson and Thomas Matthew Echols.

A standout student-athlete, Tommy graduated from Richardson High School in 1985, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. He received a football scholarship to Baylor University, but his true passion was baseball, and in his sophomore year he joined the Baylor baseball team. He received several accolades for his athletic career at Baylor.

In July 1991, Tommy married Kellye Dawn Coleman, his high-school sweetheart, best friend, and the love of his life. They were blessed with three wonderful daughters. Tommy cherished the time he was able to spend with them on the soccer fields, Indian princess trips, cheer competitions, family vacations, or just relaxing on his back patio reminiscing about life. Tommy, with his infectious laugh, had a unique gift that when he was talking to others, he always made them feel special and he was always excited to hear about what was going on in their lives.

Throughout his career, Tommy built successful real estate and oil and gas business ventures. However, his greatest passion was his commitment to social and charitable endeavors. He was an active member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Dallas Country Club, and Highland Park Presbyterian Church. He served in numerous leadership positions in each of these organizations over the last 20+ years of his life with some of his most memorable roles as a mayor of his Salesmanship Club class, board member of Dallas Country Club, and as an usher of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. He and Kellye were an amazing team working tirelessly to raise their daughters, support their friends, give back to their community, and make this world a better place.

Tommy fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. Though he will be deeply missed here on Earth, we can rejoice that we will reunite with him again in Heaven. We praise God for Tommy’s life and the time we shared with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Momentous Institute established by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where he was a faithful lifetime member, on Friday October 25th, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.