Lamar Nolan Echols Sr.

Lamar Nolan Echols, 88, passed away in Arlington, Virginia on March 4, 2026, where he lived with family, although he always considered coastal Georgia home. Born on October 24, 1937, in Atlanta, he was a gifted, multi-sport athlete who played on two National Championship football teams while also lettering in track at Auburn University. Lamar went on to serve the State of Georgia for nearly 50 years in law enforcement, most proudly serving as Sheriff of McIntosh County.

Growing up in Atlanta, he is among a select few Georgia athletes to receive all state honors in three sports: football, basketball, and track. At 6’6, he was a towering presence on both the football field and basketball court, establishing himself as one of Georgia’s prolific receivers and scorers of his era. During his 1956-1957 senior year at Smith High School, he set City of Atlanta football records with 53 receptions and 962 receiving yards. The Atlanta Journal Constitution described him as the best at his position “in the city, state, or the South.” On the basketball court, he was a leading scorer in the State and claimed City of Atlanta scoring titles, averaging 20.3 points per game as a sophomore, 22.7 as a junior, and 25 points per game as a senior. Named “Most Athletic” by his senior class, he received scholarship offers to play football and basketball from several Southeastern Conference schools, ultimately choosing to play football for legendary coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan at Auburn University.

While on the Plains, Auburn would go undefeated in Lamar’s first two seasons, claiming back-to-back National Championships in 1957 and 1958, while also enjoying shutout victories against rivals Georgia and Alabama. At the conclusion of spring practice in 1959, Coach Jordan recognized Lamar as Auburn’s most improved player at his position. Beyond the victories, Lamar was most grateful for the strong bonds and lifelong friendships created during his time at Auburn. He more recently enjoyed reconnecting with the 1957 team when they were honored on the field during the 2017 season, marking 60 years since Auburn’s first national championship.

After college, Lamar devoted his life to public service, beginning a law enforcement career that would span across federal, state, and local service. The first stop was with the U.S. Army’s Military Police before serving nearly 20 years with the Georgia State Patrol, where he met his beloved wife of over 40 years, Christine. In 1982, he was elected Sheriff of McIntosh County in a special election where he defeated three opponents without a runoff. He was re-elected in 1984 and 1988.

During his decade as Sheriff, Lamar focused on drug enforcement and ensuring the law treated all citizens equally. In 1991, he was featured on the national television program America’s Most Wanted for capturing a fugitive who appeared on the program, but in typical Sheriff Echols fashion, he expressed his disappointment with the production crew when they wanted to film a “shootout,” telling them “that’s not how it happened.” It will come as no surprise to those who knew him that the more accurate representation was aired. Lamar’s commitment to improving the lives of his community was captured during frequent local television appearances advocating for the citizens of McIntosh County and further reflected in the New York Times notable book Praying for Sheetrock, which includes memorable quotes by the Sheriff. Serving as McIntosh County Sheriff will always remain his proudest professional accomplishment.

Lamar retired from law enforcement in 2008, after serving as Chief of Police for the City of Darien. In retirement, he enjoyed being a member of the First Baptist Church in Brunswick, following Auburn athletics, watching Fox News, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren.

Lamar is preceded in death by his wife, Christine Steele Echols; his parents, James Perry Echols and Maude Alice Brown; his brother Charles Karas, and sisters Connie Baker, Carol Head, Dorothy Head, Joanne Bryant, and Darlene Hamilton. He is survived by brothers Bill Head, Robert Head, and many nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by two children, his daughter Lisa and her husband, David Cichan, of Charlotte, North Carolina; his son Lamar Nolan Echols III and his wife Rachel, of Arlington, Virginia; as well as five grandchildren, Alex and Christian of Charlotte, and Elise, Nolan, and David of Arlington. The family would also like to recognize the support and care provided by Maria Luisa Aguilar.

A visitation will be held at Edo Miller Funeral Home on March 11th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at Twitty Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Brunswick on March 12th at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Dr. John Connell will officiate the service. Interment will follow the service in Palmetto Cemetery. David Cichan, Alex Cichan, Christian Cichan, Walter Caldwell, Chris Karas, and Nolan Echols will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, 1000 Sheriffs Way, Madison, Georgia 30650 in memory of Lamar Echols.