George M Echols Jr.

George Middleton Echols Jr., age 72, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away after a long struggle of Alzheimer's Disease, on Thursday August 29, 2019. George was born September 10, 1946. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war where he received a National Defense medal and a Good Conduct medal. He was a M-16 Marksman and a M-14 Sharp Shooter.

He graduated from Auburn University with a BS degree in Business Administration where he later worked for Pro Assurance in Birmingham, Alabama. He retired after 28 years. On the weekends, he was either shagging on the dance floor or at Jordan Hare Stadium rooting on the Auburn Tigers. He was a marathon runner and loved to exercise. He was also a handy man and loved working with wood. George was a faithful man of Christ and enjoyed reading his Bible. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Middleton Echols and Josephine Elizabeth Gilliland.

George is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Peggy Echols; four brothers and two sisters; sons, Patrick Echols and Christopher Simma (Sarah) of Mountain Brook; daughter, Tamara Bates (Scotty) of Moody, AL; grandchildren, Mary-Katherine Bates, Hunter Bates, Elaine Simma, Owen Simma.

The family wants to thank Lakeside Hospice and The Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Nursing Home in Pell City for all of their support and care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.southernheritagefunerals.com for the Echols family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association or The Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City.

A visitation will be held for George at Southern Heritage Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM followed by a service at 11:00 AM officiated by Dr. Larry Wimberly. A committal service will be held at Alabama National Cemetery at 1:15 pm.