Stephen L. Echols, Sr.

Stephen (Steve) Lee Echols, Sr., 81, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Parks Springs Retirement Community in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

He was born in Staunton, Virginia, August 25, 1942, to the late Hubert and Lily Echols.

After graduating from Staunton Military Academy, he attended the University of Virginia and graduated in 1964 with a degree in English.  He studied law at Washington and Lee University and, subsequently, passed the Virginia Bar. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army stationed in San Antonio, Texas before beginning his career at the Internal Revenue Service.  He later joined BB&T Bank as a Vice President in the Trust department.

Steve retired to The Villages in Florida where he was a member of New Covenant United Methodist Church. Steve battled Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years and volunteered with the local MS Society in The Villages. He was an avid history buff and had a life-long passion for collecting coins, stamps, gemstones and obsolete banknotes.  He loved visiting with his cousins at the beloved family home in Glasgow, VA, and playing bridge and pinochle with them.  His granddaughter, Viola, brought him great joy in his final years.

Steve is survived by his son, Lee Echols (Lisa); his granddaughter, Viola; his step-sons, Matt McLawhorn (Nicole), and Jeff McLawhorn (Buffy); his step-grandchildren, Chris, Brianna, Jacob, Riley, Caleb and Noelle McLawhorn; and his sister, Pamela Smith (John).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary  and his second wife, Marilyn.

A special note of appreciation must be extended to the health care providers at Pebblebrook at Park Springs and to Capstone Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (PO Box #91891, Washington, D.C. 20090) or to Capstone Hospice (5550 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 150, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092).

A graveside service will be held at Thornrose Cemetery, 1041 W. Beverly Street, Staunton, VA on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.