Bennie L. Echols

Mr. Bennie Lee Echols was born on Dec. 19, 1936, in Blairs, Va. He was predeceased by his stepson, Edward Crieghton-Bey; parents, Thomas Echols and Minnie Motley Echols; one brother, Chestley Echols; and three brothers-in-law.

Bennie was a devoted, giving, caring and dedicated member of Calvary Temple Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ for many years. He was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost. Bennie served on the following auxiliaries: the Ushers, Senior Choir and the Brotherhood Choir. He also served as sergeant at arms during morning worship service and he was a faithfully member of Sunday school. He truly loved his church family and the Lord. His favorite passage of scripture was Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." His favorite songs were "Jesus Keep me Near the Cross and There's a Bright Side Somewhere."

He was employed with Anderson Lumber Co. where he retired after 25 years of service. Bennie was a family man and he loved his family. He loved working around the house, especially in the flower garden which was his pride and joy. He never met a stranger. When Bennie would see you his favorite words were: "Do you want something to eat and, are you alright?" When he would be outside working in the yard, it didn't matter who it was that passed by, he would always wave with a big smile. Now if you asked Bennie how he was doing, he would say, "Alright."

Left to cherish precious memories are, his loving and devoted wife, Elaine Echols of Prince George, Va.; five children, Abigail Watts, Michelle Davis, Wayne Creighton-Bey, Teresa and Shantee Echols; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Odessa Valentine of Danville, Va., and Louise Stanback of New York City; three brothers, Merland Echols of Greensboro, N.C., Yansey Echols of Richmond, Va., and Jeff Echols of Blairs, Va.; two brothers-in-law, James and Ernest Creighton-Bey; three sisters-in-law: and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, friends and church family members.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7

The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at Calvary Temple Church of Lord Jesus Christ, 110 N. Dunlop St., Petersburg, Va.; Apostle Wesley Taylor, pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 4110 Jefferson Park Road, Prince George, and may be contacted by calling 804-458-1842.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Echols online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., 804-732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.