Mr. Robert Echols was born on May 26, 1938 in Chicago, IL to Lula Motley Echols of Tennessee and Robert Echols of Mississippi. He made his transition on August 4, 2026 at Haywood County Community Hospital in Brownsville, TN. Robert Echols graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago, IL in 1956. With him being a firm believer in lifelong education, he furthered his education by receiving his Bachelor of arts degree in English, Master of arts degree in English and Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. He held Professional Licensure in English (grade 7-12) and Principal/School Service Certification (grades 7-12). Mr. Echols was a contract teacher at Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville, TN from 1960-1961, Bolivar Industrial High School in Bolivar, TN from 1961-1970, Middleton High School in Middleton, TN from 1970-1979,South Shore High School and DuSable High School in Chicago, IL from 1980-2003 where he taught both English and Social studies. He continued his love of teaching with the Adult Education Program in Hardeman County in Bolivar, TN from 2008-2010. Upon retiring to Whiteville, TN, Mr. Echols was an active member of El Canaan Baptist Church in Whiteville, TN until his health no longer afforded him the pleasure of regular attendance. He was also very active with the Union Hill Cemetery Association in Whiteville, TN along with membership in various professional and social organizations. In addition to his parents, Mr. Echols was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jessie Motley, and Bessie Normant Motley Edmonds,. Mr. Echols was the epitome of a gentleman and a scholar. He leaves to cherish his memories, a host of friends, colleagues, cousins and family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Hardeman County Funeral Services Chapel in Bolivar, TN. There will be no funeral services. A private burial, per Mr. Echols request, will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Union Hill Cemetery in Whitesville, TN. Arrangements entrusted to Hardeman County Funeral Services.

Mr. Echols humbly requests that in lieu of flowers, please honor his memory by making a positive impact on a young person's life - whether it be through support education, encouraging lifelong learning or sharing Christian values.