Echol G. Starnes, 73, of Church Hill, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007, at Church Hill Healthcare and Rehab Center after a lengthy battle with Parkinson?s disease.
He was born in Scott County, Virginia, and had resided in Church Hill for 49 years. Mr. Starnes retired from Holston Defense Corporation in 1987 after 25 years of service. He served in the U. S. Navy for four years and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9754 of Church Hill.
His parents, Oscar F. and Laura Taylor Starnes preceded him in death.
Surviving are his wife, Twyla Ball Starnes of the home; one daughter, Kim DeCroes and husband, George, Irmo, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Olivia Grace and Victoria Claire DeCroes; one sister, Eula Qualls and husband, Ronald, Kingsport; two brothers, Dan Starnes, Ft. Blackmore, VA, David Starnes and wife, Bernice of Ft. Blackmore; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give a special thanks to all the nurses and certified nursing assistants on B-Wing at Church Hill Healthcare and Rehab Center.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Rev. Alvin Skelton officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Church Hill Memory Gardens with military rites by Hawkins County Color Guard and the Tennessee National Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Church Hill Healthcare and Rehab Center, Activities Department, 701 W. Main Street, Church Hill, TN 37642.