John Echols

John Echols, 91, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026.

John attended high school in Hampton County, Georgia, and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a member of Platoon 183. In 1960, he opened Echols Furniture and Jewelry which later became Echols Furniture and Leasing. He operated the business with dedication and pride for many years through which he became well known in the community.

An avid animal lover, John cherished his beloved fur babies, Poppy, and "Little Bit." He deeply loved his family, especially his grandchild and great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy in his life. John was the luckiest man anyone had ever seen at casinos. He was truly loved by many and will be fondly remembered for his stories, generosity, and larger-than-life presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Lissabelle Echols; his siblings, Edwin Echols, Larry "Sonny" Echols, Eloise, Francis, Louise, Betty, Patricia, Linda Sue, and Jackie; and his special friends, Joni Webb, Judge Walter Williams and Luke Moran.

Survivors include his daughters: Angelia Williams Daly, Diane Peters Davis, and Donna Peters Michie; his granddaughter, Caytlin Daly Jennings (Spencer); his great-grandchildren, Brooks Thomas Jennings, Beau Pierre Jennings, and Blaire Catherine Jennings; and his brothers, Douglas Echols, Gary Echols, William "Lumpkin" Echols, and Ricky Echols.

Special thanks to special friend, Darrell Armstrong, for all he did for John.

Visitation is 12:00 pm –4:00 pm Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Education Society, PAWS, Orange Grove Center or the charity of your choice in John's Memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com