Bill Echols, 81, lawyer was active in churches
February 22, 2024
William Richard Echols III of Pawleys Island died Feb. 16 at the Medical University of South Carolina. He was 81.
He was born Dec. 28, 1942, in Atlanta, the son of William R. Echols Jr. and Virginia Burdette Echols. Bill spent the majority of his youth in Charlotte, where he graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1960. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an undergrad and earned his law degree at UNC Law School. He was a lifelong Tarheel fan and rarely missed a game.
Mr. Echols began practicing law in 1966 and worked for law firms in Winston-Salem and Charlotte before starting his own private practice. Respected and known by his colleagues as a fun-loving practical joker, he could also hold a spontaneous Bible study anywhere.
Mr. Echols had a passion for coaching baseball, which he did for over 18 years. He coached a Babe Ruth Eastern Regional Tournament team that advanced to the World Series.
He was an active member of Calvary Church in Charlotte, where he used the teaching gift that God gave him to share the word of God for many years with over 100 people in his Sunday school class. He dedicated much of his time to mission work. For over 22 years, he traveled for mission outreach to South Africa, Kenya, Guatemala and Albania.
After a successful career in real estate law, Mr. Echols and his wife retired to Pawleys Island, where they became active members of Pawleys Island Community Church. He helped teach in Sunday school classes and small groups. He also worked on the mission board.
He is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Elizabeth Echols; his children, Nancy Williams of Burlington, N.C., Clinton Echols (Heather) of Moncks Corner, Elizabeth Hutchins (Brett) of Mount Pleasant and “adopted son” Reggie Clark; his grandchildren, Brooke Williams, Avery Echols (Sarah), Wesley Echols, Carson Ellis, Caroline Echols, Jordan Ellis, Houston Hutchins, Hayden Hutchins and Harris Hutchins; his great-grandchildren, Parker Williams and Eli William Echols, who is on the way; his sister, Vicki Lynn Bignon (Eddie) of Irmo; and his nephews and cousins.
A celebration of his life will be held Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Pawleys Island Community Church. Visitation will follow. A celebration will be held March 5 at 3 p.m. in the Calvary Church Chapel in Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund (Make Room) at Pawleys Island Community Church, 10304 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 (pawleysisland.church), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at my.fca.org or Calvary Church (missions), 5801 Pineville Matthews Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226 (calvarychurch.com).
There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.
