Richard "Dicky" Echols

Richard “Dicky” Echols, 73, of Hot Springs, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022.  On December 29, 1992 he married Brenda Echols and they were blessed with twenty-nine years of marriage. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Cecil Echols; four sisters, Loretta, Geneva Ellis, Joyce Shackleford and Janet Minton; and five brothers, H.C., Gene, Bobby, Robby and Ricky.

He was a United States Navy Veteran who was drafted during the Vietnam War. He worked at Red Diamond Battery Factory for eighteen years and also drove a school bus for Lakeside School for eighteen years. He loved riding horses, playing pool, riding his tractor and raising exotic animals. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was survived by his loving wife Brenda Echols, of Hot Springs; three sons, Chad Echols, of Hot Springs, Daniel Echols and his wife, Misty, of Benton, KS. and Shawn Echols, of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Cole Echols, Caleb Echols, Stormi Echols, Lexus Echols, Taylor Downard and Austin Downard; two sisters, Mary Lewis and Julia Winfrey; mother-in-law, Kay Flippo, of Hot Springs; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Echols and Stacy Echols; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022 in the Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs, with Bro. Jerry Stewart officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to service.

Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery with U.S. Navy Military Honors.

Pallbearers will be Gary Taylor, Kyle Echols, Adam Yates, Cole Echols, Caleb Echols and Austin Downard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Timothy English, MD and Family Medicine Clinic, Kindred Hospice and a special thank you to his daughter-in-law, Misty Echols, RN for taking such good care of him in his final days.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.