Smiley Echols

Smiley Echols passed away March 31, 2012, at the age of 91. Smiley was born to Blanche and Doy Echols in Stigler, Oklahoma, on June 1, 1920. After growing up in Braggs, Oklahoma, Smiley began a career in the Air Force that took him to Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Alabama, Minnesota, and Michigan, with off-shore assignments in Guam, Kwajalein, Hawaii, Thailand, Japan, England and Vietnam. He was a veteran of World War II and Vietnam.

Smiley is survived by his children, Jim Echols (Cindy) and Donna Edgell (Butch); his stepsons Kirk Sabrosky (Kim), Kevin Sabrosky (Jennifer), and C.J. Sabrosky; a sister, Betty Echols Ogdon; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wives, Virginia Louise Biggs Echols and Mary Kay Strecker Sabrosky Echols; his parents; and his brothers, Doy Echols Junior, Chester Echols, Frank Leon Echols, Quinton Echols, and Calvin Echols.

Services will be held at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice or to Hospice of the Valley.