William "Andy" Eck's Obituary
William Andrew (Andy) Eck, a gentle soul born to Leonard and Edna Eck on October 11, 1943, in Enid, Oklahoma, peacefully journeyed to his heavenly home on April 27, 2025, at his home east of Coweta, Oklahoma.
Andy's childhood began on a farm near Ringwood, Oklahoma, where he spent many a day baling hay, herding cows, and driving combines. At the age of four, he began playing the ukulele and singing in church and local festivals with his sister, Julie. Life then carried his family to Afton where young Andy balanced farm life with ball games, playing trumpet in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Marching Band, jamming out on guitar in rock bands, and singing in the family quartet.
After graduating from Afton High School and attending Phillips University, Andy honorably served in the Army Reserves. His lifelong love of music blossomed into a career in 1964, starting with a record store in Vinita, and then becoming the manager of McClain Music for many years where his salesmanship superpowers took flight. In 1964, he married Cheryl Patrick and later welcomed their only child, Susan.
With a dream of owning his own store, Andy opened Andy Eck Music Company in Grove in 1979, eventually opening two other stores over the next 28 years. Andy generously shared his passion for music, offering guitar lessons and guiding countless aspiring rock stars and professional musicians across the region. His music store often became a haven for impromptu jam sessions with visiting artists, a testament to his welcoming spirit. He became the trusted source for all things music to many. During the 1980s, Andy sponsored the annual Battle of the Bands at Sergeant Pepper's in Galena, Kansas which was a much-anticipated event for many rockers across the four-state region. Andy later moved to the Blue Ridge mountains of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, consulting and sharing his expertise with a music business in nearby Boone.
Though his roots were in the Mennonite tradition of Western Oklahoma, Andy embraced the Methodist faith upon moving to Afton and later found a cherished community in the Episcopal Church in Grove, where he served on the Vestry. He also was a member of the Vinita and Grove Chambers of Commerce and was honored as Grove's Man of the Year.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Cheryl Guyaux, as well as his stepson, Steven Green. He leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Charlene Briggs-Eck; his dear daughter, Susan Eck and son-in-law, Mike Carney; his sister, Julie (Bert) Lowry; and his stepchildren, Gina Lynch, Michael Briggs, and Zane (Cindy) Briggs. He is also fondly remembered by his stepmother, Vernice Eck of Grove, his aunts, niece, nephews, cousins, step-nieces and nephews, and step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We remember Andy for his generous spirit and the kindness he so readily extended to all who needed it. His life blossomed through his deep love for family, friends, music, and his beloved pets. Peaceful days spent fishing from his pontoon boat on Grand Lake, and his passionate support for OU football, were sources of great joy. He delighted in hosting gatherings, especially water picnics and skiing adventures on Grand Lake with those he held dear. Andy's selfless actions and genuine care left a lasting impact on many, and we are grateful for the goodness he brought into the world.
Services will be held on Friday, May 16th at 3pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove, Oklahoma. In remembrance of Andy’s generous nature, donations to the American Kidney Foundation can be made in lieu of flowers.
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