Bro. Jack Evans

Proceeded in death by his parents and a sister he loved dearly, Gail Crowder.
Survived by wife, Dianne, son, Joshua, along with a very loving extended family.
Bro. Jack was born in Hamilton, OH to Wanda and Hardy Glenn Evans on August 20, 1947 and was raised in Gallatin, TN. He graduated from Gallatin High School and attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville where he was drafted by the US Army. He served two years active duty including a year on the ground in Vietnam in 1969. He returned to Tennessee Tech to finish his degree in Business Administration where he met his loving wife and unwavering partner of 49 years, Dianne Taylor. Jack was a true entrepreneur having studied in engineering and business while working in insurance, surveying, and real estate. Jack began to seek a relationship with Christ for the first time seriously while deployed - he would always say those are the type of questions you want to have answered when people are shooting at you. Over the next few years several faith leaders poured into Jack's life, and it was not long before he felt the call to ministry. He attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity. It was also while at seminary he met Fred Baldwin (and wife Jan) who would continue to be among his best friends for more than 45 years.
After seminary, Bro. Jack was called to Pastor his first church, Siloam Baptist Church, in Meadville, Mississippi. He served there for 10 years and loved the people of Siloam as they loved on him and supported a young pastor beginning a family.
Jack and Dianne welcomed their only son, Joshua Glenn Evans, in 1983.
In 1991, wanting to be closer to family, the Evans family was called to serve at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Greenbrier where Bro. Jack served as Pastor. He also fell in love with the people of Ebenezer and the community of Greenbrier and would retire from Ebenezer and active ministry in 2016 after 25 years. He never really slowed down in serving others and was later named Pastor Emeritus by the church.
In 2000, Bro. Jack was asked to serve as the Chaplain for the Greenbrier Fire Department to assist with families in need on emergency calls and provide support for the members of the department. It was not long before he saw how great the need was for volunteers and asked about also serving as a volunteer firefighter. He completed his Firefighter 1 and emergency medical responder certifications to be a first responder. As he continued to volunteer alongside his son, Joshua, he was promoted to Captain and continued in the Chaplain role for 20 years.
Bro. Jack had a heart for service and a passion for people that is unmatched. He loved deeply and proudly served his Creator, family, Country, community, and church throughout his life. He loved pouring into the people of Ebenezer, whether youth or senior, and was grateful the extent those around him loved him back. He also loved the countless ministry leaders who poured into his life and that he served alongside as friends. Many of whom he shared a regular breakfast with at Larry's, Cracker Barrel, or the Pharmacy. He treasured his time with his family and would go to great lengths to support their efforts - though he often did the same for those he did not know. After retirement he loved traveling and cruising with Dianne and Joshua, but was always ready to get home to his beloved cat, Garfield.
Bro. Jack's greatest goal in life was to bring people to know the Lord, because he understood how much Christ had transformed his life. He taught us the value of loving and serving others on a daily basis. These are the things he would want us to carry on in this time - sharing the Good news, loving unconditionally, serving always.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Building Fund at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
6028 Ebenezer Road, Greenbrier, TN 37073.
Pallbearers:
Buddy Petty
Joe Schussler
Todd Wainman
Scott Armes
John Twist
Jeff Delong
David Gleaves
Honorary Pallbearers:
The Deacons & Trustees of Ebenezer Baptist Church
Members of the Greenbrier Fire Department
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-
2619 HIGHWAY 41 S., GREENBRIER, TN 37073 (615) 643-4000