HARRISBURG – Gola Richard Eckles, 85, of Harrisburg and formerly of Franklin County, died at 2:27 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born May 24, 1940, in Christopher. He was raised by his grandparents, Oliver Benton and Elizabeth (Gulley) Eckles, and Zella Harland. He married Judy Kay Kirk on June 23, 1963, and they shared 62 years of marriage.

Eckles was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the early years of the Vietnam War.

He worked in the coal mines for Inland Steel, Freeman United Coal Mine No. 6 and Old Ben Coal Co. Mine No. 25. He was also a farmer and a professional dog trainer, training setters, pointers and Brittany spaniels.

He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and attended First Baptist Church of Sesser.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, gardening and canning, especially pickles. He liked sharing vegetables from his garden and was known for his cooking, particularly his homemade fudge. He most enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Eckles of Harrisburg; four daughters: Monica Eckles-Myers (Brian) of Harrisburg, Pamela Newell (Marvin) of Mount Vernon, Krista Furlow-Hinkle (Eric) of Holly Springs, North Carolina, and Glenda Phelps of Moweaqua; grandchildren: Nicholas Wingo, Dustin Eckles, Cody Wingo, Tyler Wingo, Leslie Eckles, Ally Eckles-Myers, Serenity Eckles-Myers, Lucas Eckles-Myers, Samantha Ealey, Jada Campbell, Alexis Eckelberger, Alex Hinkle and Taryn Hinkle; great-grandchildren: Alyssa Duffield, Logan Duffield, Aubria Eckles, Logan McDonnough, Joel McDonnough, Andie Lee Wingo, Lylah Pearl Wingo and Carter Ray Eckelberger; and an aunt, Elloween Sulcer of Sandoval.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

The family prefers memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Foundation.

Eckles’ wishes were to be cremated. Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at lpfuneralhome.com.