Dr. Richard Evans Echols, husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, Christian and friend was born to the late George Lelton Echols and Estella Love Echols in Lawrence County, Moulton, Alabama on July 30, 1941. He was the third child and oldest son, of six siblings and enjoyed an extended close-knit family that included his grandfather, "Big Daddy", whom he admired and would share fond memories. The Echols' family was instrumental in founding the Byler Road Church of Christ and Richard accepted Christ at an early age. During his childhood, the importance of education was paramount in the family. Richard graduated from Moulton High School in 1959 with his older sister, Louise, his aunt, Elavis, and his cousin, Leon. After graduation, Richard often spoke of him, his older sister and cousin getting in a car and going to Alabama A&M University. They would often say that with all of their belongings they still had enough room in the car for someone else to go, they just didn't know anyone else able to go at the time. Richard obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College in August 1962 with a major in Chemistry. It was at Alabama A &M that Richard became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Still striving for academic excellence, Richard earned a Master of Arts Degree from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1964. In 1965, Richard joined the chemistry faculty at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was during his time, Richard decided to pursue a degree from Louisiana State University and in 1973, Richard graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biochemistry from LSU, making him the first African-American to graduate with a Ph.D. from LSU's Chemistry Department. While teaching at Southern University, Richard met and married his wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean Hayes, on May 28, 1966. To this union, God blessed them with two children, Roderick Evans Echols and Melanie Michelle Echols. While in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Richard continued to be active with the Church of Christ. Richard and Barbara were members at the North 32nd Street Church of Christ and later Hollywood Street Church of Christ, where they remained active until they moved to Texarkana, Texas with their son. Over the years, Richard enjoyed an extensive career at Southern University, spanning over 40 years. He taught basic and advanced chemistry and worked with his research collaborator, Dr. Robert Miller on various research projects/grants, publications and presentations. He made three professional presentations, authored or coauthored more than eight publications and obtained three research grants worth more than $370,000. His diligence resulted in several awards and honors, including being named 1985 Southern University Baton Rouge Researcher of the Year and 1986 Southern University Baton Rouge College of Sciences Researcher of the Year. Richard would often joke that he taught all of the nurses in Baton Rouge and before his move to Texas, each time Dr. Echols was in the hospital, several nurses would stop by to disclose stories of him as a beloved professor. Richard had a jovial presence, great, caring spirit and a generous, giving heart for people. He always had a kind word for others and never acted in malice. It was his love of people that led him to venture into real estate. Richard and Barbara enjoyed buying and restoring rental properties and because of his love of education and wanting the best for others, he would also go on to help others get into the rental property business. Richard also introduced his family to the joys of travel. He loved to go to amusement parks and revel in the historical markers he would come upon during his travels. Richard enjoyed visiting his children across the country, supporting them during their educational pursuits. Roderick received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and his MD from Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri. Melanie received her Ph.D. from Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri. After Melanie received her degree, Richard stated with pride, "I have educated my children". As well as a devoted father, Richard was a proud and loving grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Roland, Aislyn and Madelyn. God called for Richard's wife of 52 years on February 24, 2019, only a month before he was called home to the Lord. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Echols Wilhite (O'Neal) and Georgia Leatrice Cole (Wilberforce); and his nephews, Byron Wilhite and Benjamin George Echols and great niece, Tillery Wilhite. Cherishing his loving memory are his children, Dr. Roderick Evans Echols (Andrea) of Texarkana, Texas and Melanie Echols –Herron (Isaiah) of Smyrna, Georgia; three grandchildren, Roland Evans and Aislyn Barbara Echols of Texarkana, Texas and Madelyn Michelle Herron of Smyrna, Georgia; two brothers, Mr. Jimmy Echols (Gloria) of Afton, Minnesota and Dr. Ben Echols (Debra) of Houston, Texas; one sister, Loretta Noland (Carl) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and three sisters-in-law, Ms. Liz Hayes-Roberson and Mrs. Carolyn Stone (Thomas) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Ms. Diane Hayes-Williams of New Orleans, Louisiana. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Richard Evans Echols, please visit our floral store.