Ian Thomas Echols
Ian Thomas Echols passed away unexpectedly Oct. 6, 2021, at the age of 8, following an auto accident.
Ian was born May 1, 2013, in Toccoa, he was the son of the late Gretchen Echols and Matthew Echols.
He is survived by his father, Matthew; his sister, Madison; his brother, Bruce; his grandparents; and uncles and aunts.
He was a member of Cub Scout Pack 6, and the Rabun County Cross Country Wildcats. Ian loved working in the Community Garden and taking care of his chickens and guinea pig. His favorite thing was to spend time with his many friends, and he was especially loved for his kindness.
Ian’s memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends, as well as the community that he loved.
The family will receive friends Friday, Oct. 15, at Beck Funeral Home from 3 until 5 p.m.
There will be a joint celebration of Gretchen and Ian Echols’ lives at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in the chapel of Beck Funeral Home in Clayton with the Rev. Avery Lawrence officiating.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ian’s memory to F.A.I.T.H or to Rabun County Bank Memorial Fund for the Echols’ family.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call (706) 782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at beckfuneralhome.com.
Gretchen Fox Echols
Gretchen Fox Echols, 41, of Clayton, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 9, 2021 following an auto accident.
Gretchen was born Aug. 28, 1980, in Williamsburg, Virginia, and baptized an Episcopalian.
She was predeceased by her son, Ian; and her father, Ralph Thurman. She is survived by her husband, Matthew; her son, Bruce; and her daughter, Madison; as well as her mother, Patricia deVarennes (Charles), and her brothers, Daniel Ross (Holly), and Richard Thurman.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude with an AB in Political Science from the University of Georgia in 2003. Gretchen loved to read, draw, write, craft and cook. She loved serving her community in numerous capacities and never met a stranger.
Gretchen explored various career opportunities in child development and ultimately found her home in the Rabun County School System. Her family would like to give special thanks to all the first responders and the Northeast Georgia Medical Center ICU staff.
We will forever hold Gretchen in our hearts.
There will be a joint celebration of Gretchen and Ian Echols’ lives at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in the chapel of Beck Funeral Home in Clayton with the Rev. Avery Lawrence officiating.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her son, Ian’s memory to F.A.I.T.H or to Rabun County Bank Memorial Fund for the Echols’ family.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call (706) 782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at beckfuneralhome.com.