Jay loved nothing more than to be with his friends and family. He adored his niece and nephew and always looked forward to spending time with his beloved cousins, Elizabeth and Scout Echols and Stone Phillips. Jay was an incredibly kindhearted and loving man. He was bright and hardworking and had a wonderful sense of humor. There was never a dull moment with Jay and everyone who met him called him a friend.
Jay is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Susie Echols, and his great-grandparents, Hodge and Erma Phillips. His family takes great comfort in knowing he is welcomed by their love after life.
He is survived by his parents, Lindsey Echols of Monticello and Jason McGee of Rowell; his sister Madison and brother-in-law, Daniel Zaliski of Little Rock, and their children Isla and Kambren; a brother, Hudson Cain McGee of Hot Springs; grandfathers Ron Echols and his wife Teresa, and Leland McGee of Monticello; grandmother Vicki McGee of Wylie, TX; uncle Drew Echols, uncle Matt Echols and aunt Misty Echols, aunt Shayne Young and husband Rob and sons Dawson and Dallas; as well as many other countless cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
Jay was a beloved brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. His loss will be felt by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2:00-3:00 p.m. Tuesday preceding the funeral service. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(29)
Scott Merrell
O'Fallon, IL Monday, September 18, 2017 My deepest condolences to the family in this trying timeDenise elmore
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 20, 2017 My heart and prayers go out to his family I didn't know him personally he was my nephews best friend I know he will miss him dearly as well as his family god has gotten another angel fly high jay u will be missedJanice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, August 18, 2017 You are all in my thoughts and prayers. How sad to loose such a wonderful young man, family members and friend to all. May Godgive you peace and comfort in your loss.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
Ron Morris
Little Rock, AR Thursday, August 17, 2017My wife & I did not know Jay, but we regret the sorrow you feel - we grieved the loss of a son because of an electrical accident who was the same age as your Jay. We can tell you that as time passes you will be able to remember more of the good times and dwell less on your loss. We found that each person grieves in a different way and at different times, so we encourage each of you to allow for those differences in your families.
We are of the Christian faith and as we dealt with our pain we came to understand that God is still sovereign even when we don’t understand the tragedy. May you find comfort as you walk through this “valley of the shadow of death” and may friends share their good memories of Jay with you.
Randall & Linda (Matney) Smith
Roswell, GA Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Keeping the entire Echols family close in heart and prayer during this difficult time. Cherish all the sweet memories of Jay, and may these memories bring you joy, peace, comfort and strength -- today and always.With love and sympathy,
Linda, Randall, and Ross Smith
Terri Longing
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Jay Reed was such a sweet young man. I am heartbroken to hear that he has passed away. You all are in my thoughts. Praying that God will comfort each of you during this most difficult time.Courtney
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 15, 2017 We will miss You! Fly high Jay!-Monticello school class
Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 Ron, Teresa, and all the family,We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss. May God give you strength and comfort during the difficult days ahead.
Sincerely,
Butch and Judy Selig
Paula Coffield
Little Rock, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 My heart breaks for all of you. I am praying for peace and comfort for you all. Hugs and Love to Ron, TA, Lindsey and the family. Love you, PaulaSamantha and Blaine Culwell
Monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 McGee family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.Patrick & Andrea Smith
Benton, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 With our deepest regards.mary cooper
monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 I did not know him, he is a good looking boy!! prayers goes to the family!!Michele Sivadas
Port Orchard, WA Monday, August 14, 2017 So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys.dianne lloyd
monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 Lindsy, Am so sorry for your great loss. My thoughts are with all of your family!Mike & Maria Daniels
Monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 Our prayers are with you.Mitzy Sullivan
WARREN, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 My heart goes out to you all and I am praying for the family.linda fundrburg
monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 my condolence to the family God bless you'll during this sad timelinda fundrburg
monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 my condolence to the family God bless you'll during this sad timeChris Lampkin
Monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.Sherry Stringfellow
Monticello, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 So sorry for your loss. I hadn't known Jay for very long, but he always took the time to ask me how things were going and he made me feel like I'd known him my whole life.Pam Peek Reynolds
Conway, AR Monday, August 14, 2017 Lindsey, my husband and I were dear friends of your precious Mother having met her at Henderson. We were so saddened to learn of the loss of your son, Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.David W Smith
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 Ron and Teresa, I cannot begin to tell you both how sorry I am for your loss!! You are all very much in my prayers as well as the parents and everyone involved!!Fayon Phillips Haynes
Cabot, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so sorry to get the news about Jay.Carol & Ron Sparks
, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 Sending our love and prayers to you, Lindsey, Madison, and the rest of the family. I know there are not enough words to comfort you at this time but know we love you all and are praying for strength to handle your grief.Amy Ross
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 I taught Jay in third grade and remember him to be a sweet young man. My heart sank this morning as I learned of his passing. My thoughts are prayers are with you all. May God comfort you all during this time. Jay was in my first class when I came to teach in Monticello. He will forever be one of my kiddos!Tina Ferguson
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 Lindsey and family,My sincere of apology for your loss.
You are all in our prayers.
Cindy Harper
Wilmar, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 Prayers for you all, so sorry for your loss.Irma James
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 13, 2017 So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers with familyLaura McNeese "Honey"
Foley, AL Sunday, August 13, 2017 My thoughts and prayers are with the family! Jay Reed was a special young man! We all loved him!