William J. Echols, M.D., 78, of Huntington, WV, passed away Monday June 27, 2016 at St. Mary's Medical Center. William was born March 3, 1938 in Richwood, WV, the son of the late John E Echols MD and Virginia Pauley Echols. He was also proceeded in death by his two brothers, John E Echols DDS and Charles Echols D.D.PhD. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Williams Echols, his three daughters and son-in laws, Sandra Marshall MD Robert), Elizabeth Edwards (Brett), and Virginia Kayes ( George). He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren that brought him so much pride and joy, Virginia Marshall, Kristen Marshall, William Marshall, Spencer Kayes, Andrew Kayes, and Hayden Edwards. William is a graduate of Richwood High School where he played football, basketball and was a member of the band. He graduated West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1960 with a double major in biology and chemistry. He was a member of Beta Beta Beta honor society and the Benzene Ring chemistry Honor Society. William became the 3rd generation in his family to become a physician graduating from West Virginia University Medical School in 1964. His post graduate studies include University of Iowa 1964-1965 and the Mayo Clinic 1965-1968. William then served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force in Selma, Alabama as a base physician. After serving his country, William moved to Huntington, WV in 1970 to practice medicine until his retirement in 2005. William was one of the founding fathers of Huntington Internal Medical Group, he was past President of the Cabell County Medical Society and the Norval Carter Medical Society, past Secretary of WV Internal Medicine Society, and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Through his practice he initiated Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Y.M C.A, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and St. Mary's Hospital. He developed Echocardiology, Vascular Duplex studies, and Nuclear Cardiology programs at HIMG and St. Mary's Hospital. In addition to his work, he also served on the Board of Trustees at the Huntington YMCA and West Virginia Wesleyan College. William lived life to the fullest enjoying sports, traveling and continuing his studies through his Philosophy Group. Those who knew him will miss his abundant energy and enthusiasm for life. William loved the city of Huntington and his hometown of Richwood, WV. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to help the relief efforts after the floods in Richwood. Donations may be made to RebuildRichwood.com or mail to NCCF, PO Box 561, Summersville, WV 26651. Open Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday June 30, 2016 at Chapman's Mortuary. Friends are also invited to a Memorial Service, which will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday July 1st at Chapman's Mortuary with Rev. Dr. William Wilson and Rev. John Lipphardt officiating.