Roderick Lemont Echols passed away Saturday.

He was born August 1, 1973 to Tommie Echols and the late, Robert Lee Echols in Newnan, Georgia.

“Rod” confessed his faith and was baptized at an early age at Heard Wesley United Methodist Church in Franklin, Georgia. He attended and graduated from Heard County High School in 1992. Later, obtaining his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). Upon graduation, Rod joined the coaching staff at SCAD, where he coached for over ten years. He recently reached ten years of service with Target Corporation

Rod received an initial cancer diagnosis (colorectal) in May 2012. During this time, he and his family were invited to have their story broadcast to the world, via a Cancer Treatment Center of America commercial. As a result, many, many cancer patients and families were inspired and the Team Echols Foundation was born. With his wife Keisha, Rod formed the non-profit organization to provide financial assistance to cancer patients and caregivers, a legacy that his family will continue on in his name.

Survivors include his wife, Keisha Echols; son, Preston Echols; daughter, Pria Echols; his mother, Tommie (John) McKeever; grandmother, Arizona Thomas Edmondson; sister, Elaina (Terry) Washington; niece, TaNiya Washington; mother-in-law, Barbara (Herman) Miller; father-in-law, Archie (Rosie) Muhammad; a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins , dear friends and his beloved Target and CTCA families.

The Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, West Point. Dr. W. T. Edmondson will officiate. Burial will follow at Forrest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Team Echols Foundation at www.teamecholsfoundation.com so we may continue Rod’s legacy of providing support to cancer patients, caregivers, and their families.

You may express your condolences, sign the guest book, or view Mr. Echols’ Video Tribute by visiting www.lakesdunsonrobertson.com.

The family will be at their home at 110 Winterthur Place, Fayetteville and will receive Family and Friends at Bethlehem Baptist on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

The excellent care of Mr. Echols is being provided by Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home.