Leonard Echols

Published 12:32 pm Saturday, January 31, 2015

DREWRYVILLE—Alden Leonard Echols, 85, died on Jan. 29, 2015, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Emporia. He was born on Nov. 21, 1929, in Waynesville, North Carolina, a son of the late Edward Mitchell and Harriett Whitener Echols.

Leonard Echols

He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Emma Sue Echols. Together, they raised three sons.

Mr. and Mrs. Echols were former residents of Smithfield, Virginia, and Lake Gaston, North Carolina.

Leonard worked at the Newport News shipyard for 41 years and retired there as a Supervisor/Braising instructor.

He loved to read, and it is doubtful that there is a Western that was ever made that he had not seen. He loved his years with Sue on Lake Gaston at their retirement home where they enjoyed golfing and were very active in the Lions Club. He could be found waterlogged at anytime from the hours spent in his pool and hot tub.

He is survived by his sons, Marvin (Rita), Alan (Shirley), and Alden (Carlene): his grandchildren Amanda (Aaron), Allison (Tom), Alan, Cliff (MaryAnn), Ashley (Lee), and Aaron; step-grandchildren, Gary, Cissy and Millie; and great-grandchildren, Luke, Caroline, Nathan, Cody, Emmalyn, Zachary, Kayla, Nicole, plus two more on the way; and his sister, Agnes Cabe.

The memorial service is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m. in Trinity United Methodist Church, Smithfield.

He was a real “salt of the earth” kind of guy. He was honest, hardworking and he loved his family. He loved to tease and “aggravate,” and would talk to anyone who came into his path. He was truly one of a kind. We will miss him always.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.wrightfuneralhome.org