Bob "Bob Evans" Evans

Robert Howell Evans, age 96 of Toccoa passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville.
Robert Howell Evans was born on April 8, 1929, in Shelby, North Carolina to Trilby King Evans and Ellis Auburn Evans. Bob joined the Army in June 1946 and was honorably discharged in December 1947, after losing both of his parents during that time. When people asked him if he served in World War II, he was proud to say that he played 3rd French Horn at Fort Knox. Following his discharge, he attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Business Degree in Business. Following graduation, Bob had jobs with a furniture company and worked nine years as a division manager with Sears Roebuck, before taking the Assistant Director position with the Spartanburg, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, where he was active in industrial development projects. In 1968, he was approached by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce and Stephens County Development Authority Chairman to move to Toccoa Georgia as the Executive Director of both groups. (Thank you to Ben Cheek, III and the late WC Clary, Roy Gaines, Lucious Alewine, and Wallace Bruce!) During the next 28 years, Bob was instrumental in bringing 28+ new industries to Toccoa. Many other accomplishments for Toccoa happened during this time, such as the building of the "Mall" downtown, which was the up-and-coming concept at that time, as well as helping Toccoa become an All-American City in 1976.
Upon retirement, Bob realized that he couldn't be inactive. He worked part-time in a similar capacity in Hartwell, Georgia. During that time, he received the Hart County Chamber Golden Shovel Award in 2005 and the Hart County Industrial Building Authority Appreciation Award in 2006.
Throughout his career, Bob served on the Board of Directors for many groups and received numerous awards. Because of his humble nature, plaques were placed behind his door at the Chamber to keep from drawing attention to his accomplishments. And as a result, his children never had a true concept of his many achievements and awards. We do know of several groups that he truly believed in and stayed dedicated to throughout his career and in the years following. He felt that Technical Education was extremely important and served on the North Georgia Technical Board for many years, as well as the State Technical Board. He also was a founding member of the Small Business Access Partners in 1982 and continued to serve until his death. Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow with the Toccoa Rotary Club, served at one time on the Toccoa-Stephens County Library Board, and served various positions at the Toccoa First United Methodist Church. He also had the honor to carry the Olympic Torch in Toccoa in 1996. His most recent award was presented by the Northeast Georga Council of Boy Scouts of America, when he received a Distinguished Citizen Award in 2016.
Of course, for so many that knew Bob, Monday night tennis was his true passion! We all knew that nothing interfered with that! The "foursome" changed a few times over the years, but it was the main constant in his life until his late 80's!
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Trilby and Ellis, his only brother Jack Evans, his niece, Trilby Evans, and dear sister-in-law and brother-in law, Phyllis and Paul Petty. He also lost the love of his life, DeAnn Teaster Evans in 2019 and his oldest son, Robert Douglas Evans "Doug" in 2021. Doug will also be memorialized at his burial.
He was a wonderful Daddy, Granddaddy, and Daddy Bob. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him very much. Daughter and "son", Lynn and David Cox, along with their 3 children, spouses, and grandchildren: Hayley and Aaron Redman, Kevin, Autumn, Warner, and Quincy Cox, Courtney, Tip, DB, and Jo Johnson; Doug's 3 sons and families: Ryan, Stephanie, Cason, and Callyn Evans; Chris, Alicia, Emily, and Logan Evans; Tyler, Callie, Cambree, and Paxton Evans; Son, Ken Evans, and his 2 children Colton and Kinsley Evans; Son and "daughter", Phil and Ashley Evans, along with their fur babies (and Bob's, too), Vivienne and Roman.
Bob strongly asked that in lieu of flowers, if anyone wished to do anything as a memorial, it may be made to one of the following: NGTC Foundation – Marlowe/Evans Scholarship Fund, 1500 Hwy 197N, Clarkesville, GA 30523 or Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library, 53 W. Savannah St., Toccoa, GA 30577, or Toccoa First Methodist Church, 333 E. Tugalo St., Toccoa, GA 30577. He would be honored with any gift in his name.
Bob was blessed with a Sunday School class of friends (and others) who were so special in his life and stood by him until the end. The family is grateful to Eric Shirley, who was Bob's caregiver, driver, and companion for many years. We also appreciate the love and care given to him at The Overlook Senior Center. They made his last 5 months so special, especially his wonderful caregivers who went over and above to make him feel loved and his table mates, who made him feel like family! He loved each of you and thought you were all "great Americans!"
Bob's burial will be private; however, his memorial service will be held at First Methodist Church in Toccoa on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a visitation in the McNeely Hall until 4:00 p.m.
Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Robert Howell Evans.