Rev.John W. Evans, Jr.

Rev. John W. Evans, Jr. was born May 28, 1932, in Monroe, Ga. to the late, John W. Evans, Sr. and Trummie Evans. From their union 15 children were born, Rev. Evans being the second born. After the terrible tornado of 1936, the Evans family moved to Gainesville and immediately became connected to the Gainesville community through church, fellowship, and service. In 1941, Antioch Baptist Church was founded by Rev. Evans, Sr. and the Evans clan became the founding family of this great church. Rev. Evans walked in his father’s footsteps through ministry soon as his father’s sudden death in 1966. Their family was rooted in Jesus Christ and was exemplified in their daily walks.

As a child, Rev. Evans attended Northwestern School, Fair Street Elementary and Beulah Rucker Industrial School. He graduated from Beulah Rucker in 1949. After completion, he began working at JD Jewels Chicken Company, then enlisted in the Army (1950). After serving our country, Rev. Evans came back to Gainesville and married his sweetheart, Marion B. Evans on December 19, 1954, and they had 5 children. They were married 65 years until her death in February 2019. During his working years in Gainesville, Rev. Evans worked at New Holland Mills for 20 years, then retired from Cottrell Inc. in the late 90’s.

In 1967, Rev. John W. Evans, Jr. accepted his call into the ministry. He was licensed by Rev. R.E. Cooper, who was the pastor of Antioch after Rev. Evans, Sr. passed. “Rev. Evans” as he’s known as around Gainesville and surrounding areas is a true bible machine, being very smart and quick when it comes to the word of God. He is known for his charismatic personality and being a jokester. Normally, whenever he sees anyone who he truly “knows,” he will joke and say, “WHO ARE YOU?? WHO ARE YOUR FOLKS? ARE YOU FROM THE BIG CITY OF ATLANTA?” He will also remind you that he’s 89 years old, was married to the same woman for 65 years, never been to jail, his children never smelled liquor on his breath, and he can still *inserts a JUMP.*

Rev. John W. Evans, Jr. has pastored many churches over his pastoral reign. They are as follows: Mt. Enon Baptist Church (14 yrs), Martin Grove Baptist Church (14 yrs), Springfield Baptist Church (3 yrs), Fortson Grove Baptist Church (3 yrs), Shiloh Baptist Church (22 yrs), and retired from Rocky Branch Baptist Church (30 yrs) in 2010. Many of these churches were pastored at the same time. His favorite bible passage was Psalms 23, and his favorite song was “Precious Lord” and “A Charge to Keep I Have.” One of his favorite things, other than preaching was to sing. He was also a part of the Souls of Calvary in the 60s as lead singer alongside Zip Law, Edward Glenn, Bonnie Riley, JC Faulkner, Horace Thompson, and his brother Benny Evans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. John W. Evans, Sr. and Trummie Evans; his lovely wife, Marion B. Evans; two brothers: Benny Evans, Leroy Evans; five sisters: Lois Evans, Dorothy Jean Thomas, Ruby Nell Mitchell, Anita Evans and Betty Evans; one daughter in law: Barbara Ann Evans; one grandson: Durun Mays. He leaves to cherish loving and everlasting memories to his children, Roger Evans, Jimmy (Cecelia) Evans, Miranda Brown, Tobias (Jackie) Evans, and Teresa (Charles) Mays. Siblings: Robert (Ola Mae) Evans, Mary Evans Bynum, Beatrice (Royce) Stephens, Brenda (the late, John) Hughey, Veotis Evans, Samuel Evans, James (Gloria) Evans. He also will be greatly remembered by his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Torey (Ca’Quea) Evans, LaTysa (Tim) Gaither, Quanisha (James) Skelton, Shamone Evans, JJ Evans, Brandon Evans, Tawana Brown, Lacey Hutchinson, Tobias Evans, Jr, Taylor Evans, Trey Evans, and Douglas Law. Special great-grandchildren, Taniya Pierce, Jiriq Pierce, Samaj Brown, Armani Mays, Sanlaya Walker, Makhi Law, Malik Law, Deonte Evans, Tristan Evans, Makhi Harrison, Ky Evans, Parker Evans, Timber Gaither, Taliah Gaither, Princess Evans, Cade Evans, Emery Evans, Christian Skelton, CJ Skelton and Jade Skelton. Special friends: the late, Elder Eddie Walker, the late, Rev. W.L. Whelchel, the late Haywood Clyde, Rev. Mike Moon, Pastor L.C. Teasley, Horace Thompson, Sam Shirley, John Willie Teasley, and Roger Young.

The visitation for Rev. John W. Evans, Jr. will be held Wednesday, October 13th at Wimberly Funeral between the hours of 12-8pm. Rev. John W. Evans, Jr.'s Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 14th at Antioch Baptist Church at the hour of 1pm. Professional Service Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.