David Echols

Obituary For David Echols

David was born June 21, 1943, in Rossville, Tennessee, to the late Addie Key and Charlie Wright. Early in David’s life, Addie would meet and marry Jesse T. Echols who would give both Addie and David his name, loving them until they were separated by Jesse’s transition to glory.

David gave his life to Christ at an early age at his home church, Mount Zion Baptist Church in Piperton, Tennessee.

David was an adventurous and athletic child, loving music, playing baseball and fishing, all of which he took into adulthood. David graduated from Mitchell High School in 1961. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country until 1965. After serving actively, David transitioned to reserve duty until 1967. During David’s reserve duty assignment as an airman, he briefly played baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers. When he learned that he and Beverly were starting a family, David chose to be a dedicated husband and father gaining employment with Cleo Wrap and later gaining employment with the Defense Depot where he retired after 20+ years.

David’s love of music led him to bring together and manage the R&B band, “The Right Combination,” creating and remaking hit singles, “Moving Groove” and “I’m Still In Love With You.” David worked for resort casinos where he gained a wealth of friends who he considered family.

David leaves behind to cherish his memory: his children, Michelle (California), David Jr. (Washington DC), Meliny (Texas), and Kenyatta (Memphis); his grandchildren, Tiffinay (California) and Mardrell (Texas); and his devoted siblings, Patricia (Larry, deceased) Wheeler (Missouri), Beverly (Leroy) Thomas (Missouri), and Michelle (Memphis).

David was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse & Addie, and Charlie, and his brother, Charlie Wright Jr.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 9:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am both will be held at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111.

Interment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.