Earl Thomas Echols, age 91, of Canon, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.

He was born December 31, 1931, in Tignall, son of the late Weldon Lee Echols and Irene Lucy Blackmon Echols. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served during the Korean War aboard the USS Algol and USS Skagit. After his military service, he worked as a house painter. Mr. Echols was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his sisters: Leila Prince of Hartwell and Sybil (Roger) Bell of Gaffney, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia with Rev. Will Vergara officiating. Burial will follow in Bowers Memorial Park in Canon with military honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.