Richard Anthony Eckl

 Richard Anthony Eckl, 70, of Florence, died at home on July 13, 2016. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Florian with the funeral mass immediately following visitation. Officiating will be Father Joel Martin, OSB.

A lifelong member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mr. Eckl was born in Florence on June 18, 1946, to Harry P. Eckl and Juliet Josephine Buffler Eckl. He was a graduate of Central High School class of 1964. He was a telecommunications service technician for South Central Bell for over 30 years with some time in between to work at his uncle’s cotton gin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Ann Eckl Strong; and grandson, Robert Adam Eckl.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Marlyn Smith Eckl; son, Tony Eckl and wife, Carol (Florence); son, Joe Eckl and wife, Kim (Florence); son, Matt Eckl and wife, Stacy (Raleigh, North Carolina); five grandchildren, Cale, Jack, Dan, Sara Beth, and Will Eckl; sisters, Carolyn E. Eck and Julia Goodrich; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard will be remembered as a tireless worker, a friend you could depend on, and a one-of-a-kind man who never met a stranger. He loved his wife and sons, was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed puttering around in his garden, and later found his greatest pride in his grandchildren. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow phone company employees who knew him as “Roho”, and in retirement frequented several local morning coffee groups while rambling all over the west end of Lauderdale County.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Alabama Children’s Hospital Foundation, 1600 7th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233, or a charity of your choice.

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