Mr. Allen "Rag" Echols was born on September 29, 1950 in Florence County to Van Johnson and the late Mary Lee Echols. He was reared by his maternal grandparents, the late Isaiah Echols and the late Mae Ella Harrison-Echols.

He departed this life Sunday, November 26, 2023 at McLeod Regional Medical Center after an illness.

"Rag or Papa", as he was affectionately called by family and friends, he was a graduate of Wilson High School Class of 1971 of Florence County. He was employed with Merita Bakery, Gilbert and Fields Construction, and Retired from NSX Tire Company.  He was a die-hard San Francisco 49ers Fan.  He loved to cook out and spend time with family and friends.

At an early age Allen attended Savannah Grove Baptist Church in Effingham, SC.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Echols; one sister-in-law Vernetta S. Echols; a special friend Bonnie Gail Walden; three aunts, Ella Echols-Johnson, Rebecca Echols-Alli, and Carolyn E. Shannon; six uncles, Eugene Echols, Harry Echols, John Echols, George Echols, Willie Echols, and Lonnie Echols.

He leaves to cherish fond and loving memories: two daughters, Yovonka Echols of Sumter, SC and Lemestrius Griffin of Florence, SC; one sister Rosalind (Ernest) Echols-Greene of Darlington, SC; two adopted children, David (Sharon) Walden of the home and Sonya Walden of Atlanta, GA; three aunts Ruth (Al) Henderson of Romeoville, IL, Margie Williams of Chicago, IL and Bessie (June Boy) Burgess of Florence, SC; ten grandchildren; three great-grands; one god son Adrian "Flip" Bradley; three nephews; two nieces; and host of great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.