W. Ray Echols, 73, of Big Spring, died on Sunday, December 8, 2002, in a local nursing home. Memorial services will be at 4:00 PM Tuesday, December 10, 2002, at the First Presbyterian Church of Coahoma with Rev. Walt Lee, pastor, and Rev. Elwin Collom, pastor First Baptist Church of Coahoma, officiating. A private family interment will be held at Trinity Memorial Park. He was born on September 10, 1929 in Coahoma, Texas and married Eddie Juan Darnell on December 4, 1953 in Midland, Texas. Ray served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict for two years. He worked as an electrician for Texaco at the Vincent Plant for thirty-six years, retiring in 1989. He served on the Howard County School Board and was a former director with the Farm Bureau. He was active with barber shop quartets for many years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Coahoma and served as an elder. Survivors include his wife, Eddie Juan Echols of Big Spring; one daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Vernon Itz of Grapevine; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Heather Echols of Midland; five grandchildren, Justin Itz of Austin, Lindsey Itz of Norman, Oklahoma, Tarabeth, John-Mark and Wilson Echols all of Midland; two sisters, Janie Phinney of Coahoma and Judy Lazarus of Belton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Amy Maude Echols; and one sister, Amy Purcell. The family suggest memorials to the First Presbyterian Church of Coahoma, P.O. Box 94, Coahoma, Texas 79511. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Big Spring. www.npwelch.com,
