On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, William H. Evans, devoted follower of Jesus Christ, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to see his Savior face-to-face at the age of ninety-five. There he was reunited with his beloved wife of 72 years, Kathy, on her birthday. Bill was born in Pierce, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town on March 23, 1929, to the late Richard H. Evans and Eva Yankie Evans, the fourth of six children. Bill resided with his wife Kathryn Snyder Evans, the love of his life, in Orlando, Florida until her death in 2022 and then alone until his passing. Bill and Kathy were married in Red House, Maryland on October 9, 1949. After living for a short time in Thomas, West Virginia, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland and six years later, they moved to Orlando, Florida.
Bill served in the U.S Army in 1946 and 1947 in the 7th Cavalry as a part of the occupational forces in Japan after WWII. After his stint in the Army, Bill went back to West Virginia to work in the coal mines near his hometown. Following that, Bill found employment with the Glenn L. Martin company in Baltimore and during his time there, Bill and Kathy’s only child, Michael, was born. Bill was then transferred by the Martin Company to a new facility in Orlando in 1957 and was one of the first 50 employees there. Bill had a long and successful career in manufacturing with what became the Martin Marietta Corporation and retired from there in 1988 after 37 years of service. Bill earned his Associate of Arts degree while in his late fifties from Valencia Community College, graduating simultaneously with Kathy.
Bill loved to read a good book and play golf. He made many dear friends in his golfing days. He also loved spending time with his family, especially doting on his grandchildren, taking them to Disney World and strawberry picking. Bill was a Southern Gospel music fan and attended countless concerts with Kathy, his family, and all his Christian friends. Bill also served in the various churches he and Kathy were members of, leading singing, working with youth, and volunteering to help keep up the grounds. He was a regular attender of First Baptist Church Pine Castle (now Generations Church) for almost 25 years, then becoming a member for nearly 25 more years. He loved his time there surrounded by his Christian brothers and sisters, most of whom recently welcomed him to glory. In his youth he spent time working at his grandfather’s farm, and that continued into his adult life, where he spent hours as a caretaker in his yard, up until he died. He made it a point to keep active and that philosophy served him well as he maintained his home and was totally independent even to his last day.
Bill is especially remembered for his kindness. His demeanor was endearing to his family, friends, and neighbors. He modeled Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”. His presence will be greatly missed by those who loved him most as well as all those who knew him. The world is a little less better off without him.
Bill is survived by his son Michael (Susan) Evans, grandchildren Kyle (Emily) Evans, Kelsey (Osita) Amalu, great-grandchildren Addison, Kennedy, and William Evans, and Zirachi Amalu, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene L. Evans, Richard L. Evans, Jack L. Evans and Dale M. Evans and his sister, Betty Romanick.
Services will be held at Generations Church, 1001 Hoffner Avenue, Orlando, FL 32809 on Saturday, April 20, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow immediately at Greenwood Cemetery, 1603 Greenwood Street, Orlando, FL 32801.
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18