James Martin "Marty" Echols, Jr.

Funeral Services for James Martin “Marty” Echols, Jr., 67 of Harleton, TX. will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Faith Tabernacle Church with Rev. Kerry Green and Rev. Richard Cook officiating and under the direction of Haggard Funeral Home. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 6-8pm in the church.

James Martin “Marty” Echols Jr., of Harleton, Texas, passed peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a hard-fought illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Marty was born on July 20, 1958, in Marshall, Texas, and grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from Huntington High School with the Class of 1977. He later made his home in Harleton, Texas, where he built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

On November 16, 1979, Marty married the love of his life, Sherry Albright Echols. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage and built a large and loving family that was the center of his world.

Marty is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry Echols; his mother, LeNelle Ragon Echols; his brother, Mark Echols and wife Tracy; and his sister-in-law, Regina Echols. He is also survived by his eight children: Jenny Echols and her children Jaydn, Haley, and Cade; Justin Echols and wife Kristen, their sons Hunter and Casen, and Hunter’s wife Abigail with their children Jessie, Loretta, and Walker; Kydia Holland and husband Jimmy, and their sons Eli, Fisher, Ford, Levi, and Easton; Canton Echols; Handa Hudson and husband Blake, and their son Coy; Heath Echols and wife Megan, and their daughter Quinn; Deana Traughber and husband Josiah, and their sons Landon and Karson; and Dusty Echols; along with numerous extended family members and a multitude of great friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Echols Sr.; his brother, Mike Echols; and his great-nephew, Michael Lane Echols.

Marty was a man of deep faith and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. In his later years especially, his greatest desire was for others to know the Lord. He was a faithful member of Faith Tabernacle in Jefferson, Texas, and his life was a reflection of his beliefs.

Known for his unmatched work ethic, Marty spent over 40 years building his business, Marty Echols Concrete. He was often found working from sunup to sundown, whether pouring concrete, tending to cattle, farming corn, raising pigs, or cutting hay. He loved being outdoors, running equipment, and caring for the land he worked so hard to build. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, collecting antiques, admiring vintage cars, and crappie fishing on the barge.

While Marty believed in working hard and doing your best, he also believed in making life fun— creating lasting memories for his family through go-cart dirt track races, bus vacations, and time spent with those he loved most. Marty loved his family fiercely. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and his legacy will live on through each of them.

Many will remember Marty just as he was—wearing his cowboy hat or baseball cap, a pair of overalls, with a side of each pant leg tucked into his boots—a simple, familiar image that perfectly reflected the hardworking, steady, and unforgettable man he was.

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