Wendell Wayne Echols

Wendell Wayne Echols, age 82, of Alto, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022, following an extended illness. 

Born on April 13, 1940, in Lula, he was a son of the late Harrison and Eunice Echols. Mr. Echols was a 1958 graduate of East Hall High School, which was the first graduating class of the school. He retired from Habersham Metal after numerous years of devoted service. Mr. Echols was raised in a Christian home by a family of the Holiness Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and known as “Papa” to everyone. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids as well as fishing.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom Echols and Howard Echols and sister, Mary Echols. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Elane Davis Echols of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Bill Valentine of Good Hope, Georgia; granddaughter and spouse, Nicole and Keith Gilbert of Cleveland; great-grandchildren: Ava Gilbert, Wyatt Gilbert, and Easton Smith, all of Cleveland; sisters: Jane Murphy of Alto, Dorothy Merle Turner of Lula, and Martha Kinsey of Mt. Airy; and numerous special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 31, 2022, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Jacob Armour officiating. Interment will follow in Antioch Holiness Church Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 2-5 pm on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the funeral home. 

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. 

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.