On Saturday, March 4th, 2017, family and friends celebrated Vernon Echols’ 90th birthday at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Englewood, New Jersey. Echols has a rich history in the communities where he’s lived and served.
In Vernon’s early years he was an avid tennis and baseball player. Later on, when he needed another outlet, a friend encouraged him to learn the game of golf. It wasn’t until his early 50s that he took up the game.
Born March 6, 1927, Vernon Lee Echols is the second oldest of eight children born to Mr. & Mrs. James and eLola Echols of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has three brothers: James, Walter (deceased) and Ronald (deceased) and four sisters: Dorothy, Margie (deceased), Florence, and Barbara Jean. As a youth, Vernon Lee Echols attended Withrow High School in Cincinnati, and from there served his country in the United States Army Air Force. Subsequently, he attended West Virginia State College and eventually Fordham University.
Vernon Lee Echols married his high school sweetheart, the late Bonnie Range, with whom he raised their five children: David (deceased), Adrian, Sheryl (George) Antoinette, and Sherri (Arthur). Later in Life, he married Larcy McCarley (deceased) and they shared parenting of daughter, Ulindiwa.
Additionally, he has seven grandchildren: April (Billy), Angel, Jasmine (Rhakeim), Quiana, Christopher, Eric, and Crystal. He has been favored with four great-grandchildren: Demetrius, Langston, Aidan, and Aira. Presently, Vernon is blessed by his long-term relationship with Ms. Olivia Bond.
Guests enjoying the birthday celebration.
Vernon Lee Echols came to Englewood, New Jersey in 1951. Because of his gregarious nature, he became active in many civic organizations. He participated in American Legion Baseball, having been a notable player in his youth. He umpired and coached Little League Baseball, and positively impacted many of Englewood’s young athletes. He was affiliated with the Elks Ideal Lodge 470 for many years. As further confirmation of his civic-mindedness, Vernon Lee Echols served as president of the Bergen County Chapter of the NAACP. Besides his work with the NAACP, Vernon Lee Echols was a volunteer with the Bergen County Urban League.
L-R: Debert Cook and Phyllis Stevenson-Jenkins
Vernon Lee Echols enjoyed a distinguished career in real estate for many years. Additionally, he worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance company. He also worked for the City of Englewood and the Bergen County Community Action Program. He enlisted and engaged his entrepreneurial skills, his love of mixology, and his sense of adventure as the proprietor of two jazz clubs; one in Paterson, New Jersey and the other in Saratoga Springs, New York.
In 1996, Vernon moved to Daytona Beach, Fla., and wanted to give back to his new community. There he envisioned the idea of hosting a charity tournament at the LPGA International Golf Course in Daytona Beach as a great opportunity.
The first “L.O.V.E. (Little Ole Vernon Echols) Invitational Golf Tournament” had 32 players. This November marks the 19th year of the profoundly successful annual tournament, which has grown to over 200 players. The major beneficiaries of the tournament are local charities where he resides. At New Life Church Ministries, where he is a member under Pastor Reverend Dr. Victor Ewing Gooden, Vernon Lee Echols serves as the Church Patriarch.
Vernon Lee Echols, a nonagenarian gentleman, family man, and golf enthusiast, is the living embodiment of GOD’s Grace, ageless handsomeness, sharp wit, continuous community service, and unconditional love of family. His actions and lifestyle have inspired multiple generations of his family and his friends.
The lovely birthday celebration was arranged by family and Vernon’s granddaughter Quiana Hood served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Ms. Hood also sang a beautiful song, “Summertime”, in tribute to her grandfather Vernon. Following the dinner, Echols rose to the occasion and stood elegantly at the podium to whole-heartedly thank his many lifelong friends, associates, and family members. “The field of amateur golf has so much room for growth in the minority community. Manufacturers and advertisers can play a greater role in supporting local minority charity tournaments,” commented Echols, who eagerly cut and shared his delicious birthday cake with nearly 100 guests.
The 90th Birthday Team included Adrian Bickham, Sheryl Gill, Antoinette Echols, Sherry Hood, Ulindiwa McCarley, April Hawkins, Angel Peters, Jasmin Miller, Quiana Hood, Christopher Gill and Chrystal Hood.
