William Rayburn Echols, 85, of Hope, Arkansas died peacefully in his home on Saturday June 10, 2023.
Rayburn Echols was born July 7, 1937 in Delight, Arkansas to Paul and Annabelle Lee Echols.
Rayburn graduated from Delight High School in 1958. He and his wife made it a point in their life to conduct a Delight High School class reunion. Together they look many trips from Hope to Delight to prepare for this occasion and devoted hours to locate classmates and urging them to attend.
After obtaining a business degree from Draughn School of Business in Shreveport, Louisiana, Rayburn began a four year term with the United States Air Force. He completed his basic training in San Antonio, Texas then transferred to Biloxi, Mississippi. Here he became an Air Traffic Control specialist. After his time at Biloxi, he worked as GCA at first in Alexandria, Louisiana then later in Waco, Texas. Before his release at Lake Charles, Louisiana, he spent a year in Osan, Korea.
After his military years, Rayburn worked a variety of jobs in various locations. He started with the Commercial Credit Corporation in Lake Charles. He moved onto Field Superintendent for Ness Canning of Geneva, Indiana. Then to work for Fisher Body of Marion, Indiana, Western Electric in Houston, Delight Oak Flooring, Lone Star Gas in Dallas, Murfreesboro Lumber Company, AC/CH repairman for Arkla Gas in Pine Bluff, and then finally, Supervisor of Arkla Gas in Hope. From 1972 to the present, he operated a cattle farm outside Hope, where he and his wife resided.
He retired from Arkla on July 3, 1992, the highlight of his retirement party being the presence of Mack McClarty, prominent Clinton Administration figure.
Other than tending his cattle farm, Rayburn’s most favorite hobby was bowling and was known to score in the 290 range. He also chose to spend his free time fishing, gardening, traveling, attending horse races, playing slot machines, collecting antique "junk," and camping. His hobbies were as varied as his professional life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Annabelle Lee Echols and his brother Roland Echols. Survivors include his wife, Valjean Echols of Hope, Arkansas and four nephews: Mark (Stacie) Slatton of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William E. Echols of Delight, Arkansas, Brian (Jennifer) Echols of Delight, Arkansas, and Kevin Funderburk of Delight, Arkansas.
Rayburn's family would like to thank two special family friends, Scottie Chambless and Chris Walton.
Graveside services will be 10:00am on Tuesday June 13, 2023, at Delight Cemetery with Rev. Jim Henderson officiating. Burial to follow. Funeral services are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope.
Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com