Robert Wootten Echols Jr.

Robert W. Echols, Jr., 90, passed away Monday, November 26, 2018. Robert was born in Albertville, Alabama on August 21, 1928 to Robert W. and Lois (Crump) Echols, Sr. He graduated from Gadsden High School in 1946 and attended Sneed State Jr. College and University of Alabama – Gadsden Center.

In 1958, Robert began a lifetime career with Life Insurance Company of Alabama, retiring in 1999 as Executive Vice President and Secretary, as well as a member of the Board of Directors.

Robert always believed in giving back to his community. He began his service to local government in 1976, serving on the Water and Sewer Board (Chairman most of the years). In 1986, Robert was elected to Gadsden City Council, the first administration of Mayor-Council form of government and served for eight terms (32 years), as President four of those terms. During his tenure on the Council, Robert diligently represented his constituents and worked tirelessly for all the citizens of Gadsden. He led efforts to secure funding for needs of local school systems, including computer tech upgrades and training, and the Fine Arts program.

Robert accepted leadership roles in his church and community, including Gadsden First United Methodist Church, Gadsden Rotary Club, Etowah County Democratic Executive Committee, Gadsden-Etowah Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Action Council, Coosa Federal Savings and Loan, and LEMANCO Corporation.

Robert had a heart for those less fortunate and saw the need to improve access to services and assistance for those in need. Through collaboration and close proximity of agencies, he was instrumental in establishing a multi-agency center, which was name the Robert W. Echols, Jr. Family Success Center in his honor.

Robert is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 69 years, Betty Spann Echols, three daughters, Sherry Bridges, Nancy (Jim) Johnson and Ann (Philip) Messner, and granddaughter, Ellen Bridges, as well as several nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert W. and Lois Crump Echols, Sr. and two sisters, Mary Rob Ashley and Marion Harvey.

Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Means, Bobby Junkins; his card buddies: lifelong friend, Merlin “Bunny” Hagedorn, Mark Dailey, BL Long, Larry Keener, and Ray Hutchinson; the Gadsden City Council and Mayor and Life Insurance Company of Alabama.

Special thanks to Dr. Luis Urbina, Dr. Marian Manankil, Dr. Jed Kaplan, Dr. Thomas Harper, Amedysis Hospice, and Laura Bell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Robert W. Echols, Jr. Family Success Center at 821 E Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35903, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 1-3 at Gadsden First United Methodist church followed by a celebration and remembrace of his life at 3:30. The Reverends Philip Messner and Sam Hayes to officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.