April 28, 1947 – April 25, 2026

William "Billy" Rush Eckles, age 79, of Athens, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Oak Brook Health Care Center in Whitehouse, Texas.

Billy was born on April 28, 1947, to parents Vernon Durell Eckles and Julia Yvette Decell Eckles.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who loved his family deeply. Billy will be remembered as someone who enjoyed life, never met a stranger, and was always right in the middle of a good time.

Billy owned and operated Bo's Bait Shop in Athens for many years and later worked for the Andrews Center, where he retired in 2024. He was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time outdoors doing what he loved.

Billy is survived by his son, Chad Elliott Eckles and wife, Jennifer, of Whitehouse; granddaughters, Emilee Taylor and husband, Peyton, of Whitehouse, and Elisabeth Brenek and husband, Luke, of College Station; great-grandson, Gannon, son of Emilee and Peyton; his longtime friend and neighbor, Mickie Morris; niece, Sheila Ross and husband, Frank, of Crockett; nephew, Rodney Salmon and wife, Polly, of Crockett; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Yvette Eckles; his sister, Jan Eckles Salmon; his brother, Danny Eckles; and his brother-in-law, Winsel Salmon.

Please join us for a memorial service at Fellowship Baptist Church, 2619 West Loop 7, Athens, Texas, on Sunday, May 17th at 2:00 p.m.

In place of flowers, donations may be made in Billy's memory to the Moore, Frye, Eckles Scholarship, 1206 CR 1515, Crockett, Texas 75835.