Gail Travis Echols, 88

To view Gail’s memorial video, click here.

Gail Travis Echols, age 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away Friday, April 5, 2024.

She was born on January 30, 1936, in Decatur, Georgia, to the late Otis Forrest Travis and Carolyn Parker Travis.

Gail married Edward D. Echols, Jr. on June 14, 1959. They had a marriage that was truly inspirational. They lived for one another and fought for each other until the very end.

She worked as an Executive Assistant at Prudential Insurance and retired after decades of work. Her most important job was the matriarch of the family, in which she fulfilled that role until her last days.

Gail’s best attributes were her love for her family, her unwavering concern for others, and her commitment to provide for her children and grandchildren. She often placed herself last and was unconditionally devoted to others. McRae, Georgia, and the beach were her favorite places to visit. Some of her favorite moments were spending time and talking with family and her husband. She enjoyed sitting with her cats, whether outside by her pool or indoors in her favorite chair. She is perhaps best known for her beautiful, white hair, her adoration of animals, her insistence on helping those in need, her unwillingness to see anyone or anything go hungry, her appreciation of good food, and her fondness for the color seafoam green. Her two most common phrases were, “Come over” and “Be nice”.

Over the past 88 years, Gail enriched the lives of innumerable people, giving everyone who knew her contentment, companionship, and love. She made an indelible impression on those who called her “Mom”, “Granny”, “Gigi”, wife, sister, and friend.

Gail was preceded in death by her devoted husband of over 64 years, Edward D. Echols, Jr.

She is survived by her brother, O. Forrest Travis (Carol); son, Michael Echols (Beatrice); daughters, Terri Combs (the late Allen Combs), and Sandra Kay Joiner; grandchildren, Christopher Kelly (Jessica), Sandra Birdsall (Jerron), Amy Echols (Dustin), and Parker Joiner; great grandchildren, Carolyna, Addison, Savanna, Morgan, and Rylee; as well as cousins, extended family members and friends.

A time of visitation will begin on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home located at 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, Florida. Immediately following will be a funeral service at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720.