Obituary of William Echols

William Gordon "Speck" Echols, Jr.-Noted Architect Dead at 87 Marion, VA-William Gordon "Speck" Echols died Tuesday, February 2, 2010 after a prolonged illness. Speck graduated from Chilhowie High School, Bluefield College and Virginia Tech, receiving his degree in Architectural Engineering. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Office of Research & Invention where he worked in the planning and research division. In 1958, Speck formed the architectural and engineering firm of Echols, Sparger, & Associates in Marion. For many years it was the only firm between Roanoke and Johnson City and specialized in educational, municipal, health care, correctional designs and historic preservation. His work is seen throughout the mid-atlantic and southern states. He was an active member of Kiwanis and a faithful contributor to both Bluefield College and Virginia Tech. Speck is survived by three children, William Douglas of Lake Elsinore, California; David Gordon and wife, Rosita of Knoxville, Tennessee; Madonna Hoecker and husband, John of Springfield, Virginia; one sister, Betty Stout and husband, Dorman of Johnson City, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Jennifer Hoecker of Houston, Texas, David Hoecker of Blacksburg, Virginia, Matt Echols of Knoxville, Tennessee and Drew Echols, Knoxville, Tennessee; one niece and one nephew. In addition to his parents, William Gordon Echols, Sr. and Lillian Grinstead Echols, he is preceded in death by his son, Charles and his wives, Madonna Smith Echols and Jean McConnell Echols. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Marion Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Ross and Dr. William Slater officiating. Private graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Chilhowie, Virginia. The family will receive friends immediately follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 600 West Ridge Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Echols Family.