William Hunter Echols

William Hunter Echols was born June 2, 1941 in Starkville, MS. Bill graduated from Starkville High School in 1959. He was active in the 4-H club and an outstanding athlete for the Yellowjackets! After receiving a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, Bill was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer in 1965. During his Army career he completed Ranger school and Jungle Warfare school, served two tours of duty to Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star. When Bill retired in 1985 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Bill and Sandra moved back to Starkville to be closer to family. He began a second career as a teacher after receiving graduate degrees in education and history from Mississippi State. He taught at Starkville High School and retired from the Columbus Municipal School District as director of the McKellar Technology Center. Bill was a serious but fun-loving guy who filled the room with his physical presence and sense of humor. He loved living in Starkville, watching MSU sports, playing golf with friends, taking photos of family, and having a good dog. He always had a good dog! He also loved playing chess, drinking cheap scotch in the afternoon, and the chance of snow in the weather forecast. Friends knew him as Bill or Billy, family knew him as Uncle Billy or Papa, and Sandra called him William. He was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph and Hazel Echols. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Barton Echols, and his daughters Donna Echols and Pam Keenan (Michael). He also leaves two grandchildren, William and Katy Keenan; a sister, Lynn Echols Zimmerman (Loren); five nephews and one niece, and many friends from all over. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 PM at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Starkville.