In loving memory of

Raymond Echols
May 9, 1953 - August 21, 2014

Mr. Raymond Earl Echols I, who died Thursday, August 21, 2014, was a man who loved family and friends. He understood the gospel and was an educator. He was born May 9, 1953, to a very large family; he was one of eighteen children who lived in separate states - Chicago, IL, Mississippi and Tennessee. At an early age he joined Jamison Chapel in Wyatt, MS. He loved spending summers in the South playing in watermelon patches, riding horses from his grandpa's ranch, and helping his family tend the family farm.
Affectionately known by some as "the Waxman", Raymond had many talents. Upon leaving the U.S. Army, he used his military specialization in electronics to work for the Illinois Bell Telephone Company. He loved driving and put that yearning to use becoming a licensed trailer tractor operator; he worked at local companies as well as the Chicago Postal Service. He wanted a higher education and graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in elementary education, as well as earned a Master's degree in the same field.

Of his accomplishments, Raymond was most proud of finishing his degree: he was a retired school teacher who loved helping students learn. He taught students from kindergarten to college level; he was a teacher of life.

Loved ones who preceded him in death include his father Charles and his brother Michael Echols. He found the love of his life when he united with Sylvia J. Mills-Echols. They have shared 30 years together and were blessed with two beautiful sons, Ean and Raymond II. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Tara, Ramone, Jermaine, Ridiya (Gary), Sachett, Ean (Alexcia) and Raymond (Cee Gie). His mother Anne Belle, his father Lenwood, sixteen brothers and sisters -- Carl (Patricia), Linda E., Jewel (Kevin), Kenneth, Bruce, Jerome, Tommy, Patricia, Charlie, Billy, Bobby, Gene, Rose, Linda H., Joanne, and Phyllis, and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will preceded the service from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau Street in Keokuk.

A Celebration of his life will be on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 3:00 pm at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau Street, with Pastor Tyrone Seay officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Tributes

Tiffany Johnson wrote on Sep 4, 2014:

"Uncle Raymond there are so many things I can say about you. One thing for sure you will be dearly missed. My heart is heavy & I know you wouldn't want me crying. Give Uncle Mike a kiss for me. RIP Uncle Raymond aka Waxman & RIP Uncle Mike. Love your Niece Tiffany. CoooWeeeee"

Jessica McFadden- FMMS associate wrote on Aug 30, 2014:

"My heart goes out to Ray's family today and in the days to come. God bless you all. He was truly one of the best people I have known, and hands down my all time favorite substitute to work with. I will never forget his sense of humor or how amazing he was with the students.My all time favorite quote that Ray said to kids on various occasions..."You're all up in my kool-aid and don't even know what flavor it is!" RIP Ray, you will be dearly missed and never forgotten."

Dr. Beverly A. Echols wrote on Aug 28, 2014:

"Thanks for being a wonderful brother. I will miss your calls, laughter and that education stuff. Special prayer to Sylvia and the entire family."

Terry Totten wrote on Aug 28, 2014:

"I will miss you Raymond. Rest in Heaven."

Terry and Carol Woodworth wrote on Aug 28, 2014:

"Sylvia, Ian, and Ray--So sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed talking to Ray, also enjoyed him as a neighbor. May God comfort you at this time. I know he will be missed by many. My condolences to all the family."

Anthony Pierce wrote on Aug 26, 2014:

"He was the coolest teacher i have ever had. He had a sense of humor, but knew when it was time to get serious. I can still hear him say "Pierce do you wanna stay or you wanna go. I still get my dollar seventy nine an hour". Rest in peace Mr.Echols. Your family is in my prayers tonight. You are very missed."

Andy Leffler wrote on Aug 25, 2014:

"A wonderful man, and a great teacher, one who cared for his kids. A devoted husband, and God fearing man. The world will miss you Mr. Echols"

Sallie Blood wrote on Aug 25, 2014:

"Mr.Echols was my youngest sons 5th grade teacher. He had such an impact on Tim that year. Tim said that was the year he really got excited about learning. Ray told it like it was, and didn't accept excuses. That was just what Tim needed that year. Ray always had a smile when he saw me or my husband. He always made time to talk and ask about our boys. You knew he genuinely cared about what you had to say. I sure will miss running into him at Walmart or Hyvee for our "way too long" conversation with people diverting around us, and Sylvia waiting patiently. Rest in peace Mr.Echols, you will be missed. "

DiAnn Curfman wrote on Aug 25, 2014:

"Mr.Echols , Was A very Kind hearted man he was always very friendly and smiled Always said hello when I seen Him . May You rest In Peace My Prayers and Thoughts go out to your family In this Time of Sadness May your Memory Always live on in their hearts "

Sarah Siler wrote on Aug 25, 2014:

"My sympathy is with you all. Thoughts and prayers."