Willie Fred Echols

Honoring Our Beloved Hero Willie Fred Echols
March 19, 1944 – February 26, 2025
Willie Fred Echols was born in Coldwaters, Mississippi on March 19, 1944, to Sam Echols Jr and Margret Hardrick. He began building his relationship with Christ at Lake Grove Baptist Church and was baptized as child.
Willie Fred attended Lincoln Elementary and Booker T. Washington High school, where he received his high school diploma. After graduating high school, he Joined the United States Navy in 1962. He served for twenty years he was awarded several accommodations during his service; in 1983 he retired ranking as a Senior Chief. He went on to briefly work at the US postal service. In 1984, he went on to work as a Civil Servant for twenty-one years and retired in 2005. Willie Fred attended the University of Southern of California majoring in Political Science. Willie Fred served his country for a total of forty- one with the highest Integrity, Valor, and Determination. Determination was Willie Fred's strongest character trait that he went onto instill into his Family.
Willie Fred was married to Frances Rayford on November 23, 1964. From their union, they were blessed with their son Andre Maurice Echols. A year later they were blessed with their daughter Valerie Denise Echols.
Willie Fred departed this life on February 26, 2025, and is preceded in death by his daughter Valerie Denise Alexander, His father Sam Echols Jr. and his mother Margret Johnson, His siblings; Sonny Johnson, Roosevelt Johnson, Sam Echols III, Ludella Coleman, Linda Johnson, Frances Gamble, and Cathy Lumpkin, his Cousin and Best friend Joe Echols.
Willie Fred leaves behind to honor his memory: His loving wife Frances E. Echols, Devoted son Andre M. Echols (wife Wendy Echols), Grandson Andre M. Echols II, Granddaughter Alexis N. Echols, (Daughter in-love Eustacia Echols); Granddaughter Tatiana A. Alexander, Grandson Dorien A. Jeter, Great – Grandson Titus J. Johnson, Brother Ira Echols Sr, Sisters Willie Carol Johnson and Mattie Johnson,his sisters in-love and his brothers In- love Rayford; a host of nieces, nephews,and loving relative residing in Tennessee, Indiana, California, Virginia, Nevada, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
Willie Fred, we all would like to thank you for serving our country and your leadership, support and unwavering love of our family.