Charles William Echols

Charles William (Bill) Echols, 89, of Marietta, GA, passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, after a long illness, leaving behind his son Gregg, and many loving friends and relatives. He was a strong, compassionate, dedicated father and husband to his wife, Edna Earl, who passed away in 2014. They were longtime members of the East Cobb Church of Christ, where they had numerous close friends. Mr. and Mrs. Echols were married for 65 years.

Mr. Echols was born in Birmingham, AL on Dec. 17, 1929, and was a member of the Belview Church of Christ before moving with his family to the Atlanta area in 1965. Like his father, he was an employee at US Steel in Birmingham before becoming chief industrial engineer at Atlantic Steel Co. in Atlanta, where he worked for many years before retiring.

He and Edna Earl had a great love of travel, and took many trips throughout the US, the Caribbean and Europe. Mr. Echols also enjoyed golf, water skiing, football and woodworking. After retiring, he often used the latter skill in helping Edna Earl with her numerous arts and crafts projects, including displaying her work at trade shows and festivals, as well as creating impressive works of art for family and friends.

Mr. Echols also served in the US Army during the Korean War. While a student at the University of Alabama, he originally enlisted as a private in the Army National Guard before being called to active duty in the 31st Infantry Division and eventually being honorably discharged as a second lieutenant.

Mr. Echols and his wife shared a deep faith. He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and he returned that love in many ways, with gentleness, humor, determination and loyalty.

Mr. Echols also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Carol Anthony Waggoner, brother-in-law Tom Waggoner, nieces Jill Waggoner Morris and Susan Echols Todd, and nephews Jon Waggoner and Jeff Waggoner. His parents, Nell Taylor Echols and James Harris Echols, preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends at noon on Nov. 7 at the Roswell Funeral Home, with a service at the Roswell Funeral Home at 2 PM. Interment will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Roswell.