Joseph Echols, Jr

Dr. Joseph Todd Echols, Jr, 81, of Lake Wales, FL, died on Tuesday October 17, 2017.
Joe was born on July 5, 1936, and was the eldest son of the late Reverend Joseph Todd and late Mrs. Katherine Alford Echols.
Joe graduated with a B.S. from Belhaven College in 1959 and obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi in 1963. He was a longtime professor at Pfeiffer College (now Pfeiffer University) in Misenheimer, NC, earning the distinction of Professor Emeritus of Chemistry.
During his free time, Joe could most often be found with a book in his hand and classical music playing in the background. He spent many hours in his garden in the company of his beloved pet dogs.
Joe is survived by his wife of 9 years, Rita Echols; his three children, Kathy Echols; Roger and Carol Echols; and Ruth and Jeff Lloyd; and seven grandchildren, Todd Echols, Jeff Echols, Caroline Echols and Abigail Lloyd, Justin Lloyd, Owen Lloyd and Scott Lloyd; his sisters, Linda Perry, Mary Clark and Ruth McNinch; his brothers, Charles Echols and John Echols; . He was predeceased by his first wife Gail in 1997.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 4:00 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Misenheimer, NC with a reception to follow at Pfeiffer University.
Arrangements in the care of Hartsell Funeral Home Albemarle or Memorials may be made to Pfeiffer University, School of Natural and Health Sciences, Attention: Advancement Office, Post Office Box 960, Misenheimer, NC 28109 or contact at 704-463-3222.