June 1, 1943 – Oct. 7, 2013

NATCHEZ — Funeral services for Don “Donnie” Henry Echols, 70, of Robertsdale, Ala., formerly of Natchez, who died Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at his daughter’s residence in Gloster, will be at noon Friday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Russell Wagoner officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Friday until service time at the funeral home.

Mr. Echols was born June 1, 1943, in Monroe, the son of Henry and Betty Jane Echols.

He served in the U. S. Navy following his high school years. In his early days, he enjoyed playing the guitar in a band with Al Green and Jerry Lee Lewis. Donnie enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Mr. Echols was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Edith McNeely Echols.

Survivors include, two daughters, Patty McKay and husband, Stacy, of Natchez and Terry Jackson and husband, Nathaniel, of Gloster; one son, Christopher Echols of Robertsdale, Ala.; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters, Betty Carroll and husband, Bill, of Monroe and Mary Echols of Eugene, Ore.; one brother, the Rev. Bill Echols and wife, Linda, of Monroe; one cousin, George Smelser and wife, Til, of Monroe; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Nathaniel Jackson, Michael Moore, Stacy McKay, Braxton McKay, Shannon Wilson and Edward Carroll.

Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.