Robert Eugene "True Blue" Echols

My name is Rosa, but Blue, I will forever be your “Rose”. I remember meeting you in 1965 through your sister, Nay, at the original Melrose. We would meet in the hallway, and from there we started dating. You would come to see me at Madear’s house on David Street. We would ride in your dad’s navy blue Chevy Impala, and we would hang out over on South Parkway and Kerr Street at Clayborn Drive. We would join our friends there, and we would listen to music, sit in our cars, laugh, and just enjoy being together.

We dated for four years before we were married on a hot summer day in June, right there on David Street, surrounded by our parents and siblings. On Sundays, we always had dinner at both of our parents’ homes. We continued that same tradition when we had a family of our own.

You and I loved getting sharp, looking good, smelling good, and taking pictures. We made sure we got tickets to every concert in town—The O’jays, The Temptations, The Miracles, The Isley Brothers, The Drifters— any group that performed at the coliseum. Every Sunday in 1976, we would go to the Malco Movie Theater (now the Orpheum Theater). We enjoyed movies like Superfly and Shaft. We were also just as happy sitting at the house watching good ole black and white shows on TV, like Bonanza, The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, The Wild, Wild West, and The Virginian. Of course, I will never forget watching Sanford and Son and Soul Train on Saturday nights while the children in our family danced to all of the new music and artists. We would laugh so hard until the tears ran down our faces.

Blue, these are the memories that I will hold close to my heart. They will comfort me.

I will always love you, Robert “True Blue” Echols. Our family will continue to be faithful to the legacy of love and kindness that you have left. The Lord said, “Send him home to me, his home, where I will take care of him.” You gave me the best of you. Now, I give you to the Lord to keep.

Blue, I will forever be your “Rose”, and will always “Picture us rollin”.

Dear Daddy, On December 21st of every year, you would always say, “My birthday is the beginning of winter and the last of the Sagittarius; after me there were no more!” This is only one of your many quotes.

We shared the same birth sign. We had much more in common than I realized. I was often told, “You look just like your daddy.” We both were army veterans. We were both blessed with the gift of giving, as well as forgiving people. After all, no one is perfect and we all could use a little grace.

We like to be honest and keep it real. I could go on, but I will stop here.

My words to describe you: Comical, Chef, Compassionate, and True. You were one of the funniest and most genuine people I knew; hence the nickname, “True Blue”, which is what most people called you. Your grandkids even called you “Granddaddy Blue.” You were “true” to everyone you met. You always kept it real. As you always said, “I don’t throw a brick and hide my hand.”

You loved to cook and feed us. You taught me how to cook, even though I should have paid more attention. My food never seemed to turn out quite like yours. You truly had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off your back to our family. Not to mention, you would also help your friends.

You have done some memorable things for me as a father, without you probably even realizing.

From the time I was born until you walked me down the aisle, you were there for me. When I was little, you gave me someone to look up to. I would admire how you could fix most anything in the house as well as on your car. I could picture myself doing the same things. I knew that you loved your cars. I remember my first car from you being that brown Duster. As I grew older, you gave me memories to help me through the less joyous times in life. I remember you would always play music in the house to lighten the mood, and it would fill the air with glee. When I listen to those songs today, I still feel joy. It makes me happy as can be. As an adult, I understood you for who you were and how you loved me as a father, understanding that people show and express love differently.

You were there for most of my hardest times, helping me in whatever way I needed you. There are no other times I have laughed so hard or smiled so big, than the times I have spent with you. You never judged me. You always made me happy to be me.

So rare was a dad like you. I will miss your loving smile, jokes, and funny stories that would always make my day. I will miss your endless wisdom and timeless advice that always helped me find my way. You were one of a kind. You also had a unique style of fashion in a class all your own. I absolutely loved looking in your closet at your clothes and shoes from the 70’s time zone. I will never forget those miniature eyeglasses you wore pinned to your suits, and you would always say, “picture me rolling”, with a smile on your face. I will always think of you smiling and “picture you rolling” to motivate me no matter how tough life seems. It is an honor to have been your daughter and shared stories and dreams. Your heart was so true and so kind. Your unconditional love for me will always be in my mind.

From now on daddy, Mom and I will be wishing you a Happy Heavenly Birthday from here on earth. Mom was your Earthly Angel and wife who took care of you to the end. Now, your Heavenly Angel and younger daughter, Moneika awaits to greet you again. Once more our family chain has been broken and nothing will seem the same.

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again (Broken Chain).

Love You Daddy, Trina

C

herished Memories

Robert Eugene Echols De c e mb e r 21, 1950 - F ebruary 6, 2021

R

obert Eugene Echols, affectionately known as “True Blue”, was born December 21, 1950 in Memphis, TN to the late Modis and Alma Echols. He accepted Christ at an early age, under the fellowship of the Hickory Hill Baptist Church. He grew up in the heart of the Orange Mound community. Robert was a proud graduate of the Melrose High School Golden Wildcats class of 1968. While growing up, he developed many lifelong friendships.

In high school, he met one special friend, Rosa Lee Johnson. They later united in holy matrimony and were married for fifty years. To this union, two daughters were born, Cotrina Yvette and Moneika Cotrice.

After graduating from high school, Robert was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War. He served in the United States Army for two years. Robert received an honorable discharge, at the rank of Specialist. Upon returning home from the military, he worked at the Memphis Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital for sixteen years. Over the next several years, he worked in the Supermarket industry as a Stock Clerk until his retirement.

Robert enjoyed cooking, watching sporting events; especially games involving the San Francisco 49ers, and the University of Memphis Tigers. He enjoyed watching old western movies and performing handyman work. Robert had a passion for barbequing for family and friends when they came to his home to visit. He loved spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Robert had a giving spirit and was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family and friends whenever asked.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Modis and Alma Echols; daughter Moneika; sister Shirley; brothers: Andrew, Modis, and Curtis.

He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty years, Rosa Echols; daughter Cotrina Norris and son-in-law Dr. William Norris; sisters Irma Boyce (Bennie), Verne Cash (Marvin), Catherine Donald (Larry); sister-in-laws: Gussie Richmond, and Mary Mosby; brother-in-laws: Thomas Johnson, and Tranza Miller (Mary Ann); grandchildren: William Virgil, Jacob Robert, and Elyse Yvette; and a host of other sorrowing nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

LTributes oving

Billy I will always remember the times I had with Granddaddy Blue. From the time he showed me how to change a tire, keep a barbeque flame going with newspaper, and make banana pudding. I will remember the random 3 am meals he would make. He would give us hot dogs and “light bread” at 3 am when we were supposed to be sleep. I will remember the extra 30 minutes he needed to start his car before he would take me to the park so we could go exercise. Life will never be the same with him gone, but the memories that I have with him will live with me forever. He was an amazing grandfather and will never be forgotten. I love and will always love Granddaddy Blue.

Jacob I will never forget Granddaddy Blue. I will miss him watching me play my basketball games and me telling him over the phone how my games went. Also, when I would go outside and shoot, Granddaddy Blue would count the number of shots I would make in a row.

He would always tell me how he set the Orange Mound Recreation Center Scoring basketball record. I will miss watching football and basketball games with him. I will miss him cooking for me and miss him letting me eat his Hershey Bars after he would catch me sneaking them. Although, at times he would falsely accuse me of taking his Hershey bars. I remember when we would go to his garden, pick tomatoes and okra, and then cook them. I will always love him.

Elyse I will never forget when Granddaddy Blue bought us a basketball hoop to put in his and Mama Rosa’s backyard. After he, my dad and cousin Travis put it together, Jacob and I played on it. On all our trips to Memphis, Granddaddy Blue would always come outside and watch us play. After Jacob and I would play a game, Granddaddy Blue would shoot some shots. I would joke with him and ask him, “You still got it?” He would always make multiple shots in a row and laugh and say, “I still got it.” Granddaddy Blue was the best and I love him and will miss him.

Order of Celebration Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:00 A.M.

Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc.

3320 Millbranch Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38116 Minister AY Nunley, Officiating

Processional Solo...............................................................................................................................................Mr. Craig Johnson Scripture Reading:

Old Testament...............................................................................................................Elder Shawn Harden

Greater Nation International Church, Little Rock, AR

New Testament.....................................................................................................Minister Laverene Stewart Greater New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Prayer.................................................................................................................................Minister Laverne Stewart Solo............................................................................................................................................Mr. Andrew Tunstall

Remembering “True Blue” (Respectfully, Two Minutes Please)

Jerry Luellen - Friend (Read by Dr. Bill Norris) Mr. Garry (Bop) Noplan - Friend Master William Norris - Grandson Mrs. Irma Lee Boyce - Sister Elder Shawn Harden - Godson Mr. Thomas Johnsoon, Jr. - Brother-In-Law Poem.......................................................................................Mr. Travis Mosby Nephew

Words of Encouragement...............................................Minister Lonnie Davis Greater New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Acknowledgements..............................................................Mrs. Kristy Wilson Niece

Eulogy................................................................................Minister AY Nunley Greater New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Recessional

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of the late Robert Eugene Echols would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the support and love that has been shown to us during our time of bereavement. Your kindness and generosity have been uplifting. We would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc. and Ms. Teri Dockery for their excellent service and compassion; Craig Johnson, who accompanied “Uncle Blue” to his physician appointments and provided him loving care while he was ill; the Greater New Shiloh Baptist Church Family; Reverend Doctor William Robinson and the Olivet Baptist Church Family of Fayetteville, GA. May God continue to bless you and keep you.

~The Family

~ Active Pallbearers ~ Darrell Echols Derrick Echols Eric Boyce Decarlo Cole Mario Echols Barry Boyce Craig Johnson Marvel Johnson Travis Mosby James Jones Kaion Mosby Thomas Johnson III Timothy Richmond Dr. William Norris

~Committal Rites & Interment~

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 • 10:00 A.M. West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125

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3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~

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