Jerry Eugene "Punk" Echols

Jerry Eugene “Punk" Echols, 82, was born July 8, 1941, in Kernersville, NC to Mildred "Snook" Perdue and Joe Carlton Echols. After a lengthy battle of 15 years from a stroke, "Punk" passed into his heavenly home. On Saturday, March 23, 2024, surrounded by his family, he met his Lord and Savior!

“Punk" graduated from Kernersville High School in 1959 with 12 years of perfect attendance. He was an outstanding athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. After graduation, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After "Punk's" time with the Dodgers he returned to Kernersville, NC, and later was inducted into the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Sports Hall of Fame.

Back in his hometown "Punk" worked for Swift & Company. It wasn't long until he began dating Gwen Wilson. After dating for a year they were in love and got married. About three years after marriage they began their family.

Then came changes in "Punk's" life. God touched his heart and revealed his need for salvation. "Punk" soon committed his life to Christ and was saved. He began studying Scripture which led to his call to share the Gospel with anyone who would listen, because he knew this was God's path to salvation and the promise of heaven when we leave this world. "Punk" felt led to further his education in a Christian college in Chattanooga, TN. He began to prepare by completing an Associate in Arts Degree at a community college in 1973. He then moved to Chattanooga, attended and graduated with honors from Tennessee Temple College with a degree in Bible and Social Studies.

“Punk" was not a pencil pusher and liked physical labor. He had a paper route in Chattanooga for 25 years and grew this route from 500 customers to 1600 customers. Another business that he started was THE LAWN RANGER. It also grew to a good size business. "Punk" always worked hard and played hard. He taught is children the value of hard work and being responsible.

"Punk" and Gwen celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on September 20, 2023. They always worked together through the issues presented in life with the Lord showing them the way. God blessed their marriage. "Punk" loved his wife deeply and she has loved him the same.

"Punk" is survived by Gwen and their 5 children: Kelly Echols, Paige Batten, Joy Petty (Chris), Amy Park (Justin), and Mark Echols. And also by their 14 grandchildren: Slater and Ember Echols ..... Chase, Chad, Somer and Sydney Batten ..... Emily, Anna and Caleb Petty ..... Mikayla, Camden and Lane Park ..... Logan (Hayden) and Christian Echols. He is also survived by his sister, Linda "Twinkle” Williams.

In lieu of flowers if you would like to make a donation in honor of "Punk", please consider donating to a favorite charity of his, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

A funeral service will occur on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 12:00 PM in the funeral home with Chris Petty officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.