Ray Eugene "Gene" Evans

Ray Eugene (Gene) Evans, 63, of Fletcher, NC, passed away on October 1, 2024, with his family lovingly by his side. Gene was the son of the late Ray and Mildred (Milly) Evans of Patrick, SC.
Born in Columbia, SC, the mountains of North Carolina called Gene early, as he was an esteemed alumnus of Mount Pisgah Academy (high school) in Candler, NC. He went on to further his education at Southern Adventist University in TN, The University of South Carolina, where he majored in becoming a die-hard Gamecocks fan, and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from MUSC in Charleston, SC.
Gene was a dedicated Physical Therapist in the Western Carolinas for over thirty years. Gene served people; he took great care in every single one of his patients. He not only worked to rehabilitate them physically, but invested in them personally. No one was ever a stranger, just a friend he hadn't met yet.
He was an outdoor enthusiast and an avid mountain biker. He was an advocate for the preservation of the NC Arboretum and the Pisgah and DuPont National Forests, as well as the framework for more greenways connecting areas throughout Buncombe County. Gene knew just about every route from the foothills of NC to the tip of TN. Everyone knew if they needed a trail guide, or to know the best place to eat (he was a FOODIE), he was your man.
Gene was many things, a devoted father, brother, son, uncle, and friend. He was steadfast in his faith and a cherished member of his church, Arden Seventh-day Adventist. He was a storyteller, prankster, and life of the party.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Edgerton Evans and mother, Mildred Abbott Evans, of SC.
He is survived and dearly missed by his daughter Carolyne Elizabeth Evans of Winston Salem, NC; his brothers Thomas (Tony) Evans (Theresa), Lyman, SC, John Evans (Diane), Hendersonville, NC, and honorary brother Al Cain (Laura), Columbia SC; his sister Patti Evans Fouche (Steve), Gilbert, SC. His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews, Brandon Evans, Columbia, SC, Lacie Evans, New Orleans, LA, Dustin Evans (Shiela), Guam, Cody Evans, Lyman, SC, Ashton Evans, Denver, CO, Elizabeth Fouche, Lexington, SC, Emily Cain Parker (Lee), Columbia, SC, Briggs Cain (Kristen), Fayetteville, NC, Aubrey Cain, Columbia, SC, and Ryan Cain, Columbia, SC.
A Celebration of Life will be held starting at 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 30 at the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church at 35 Airport Road in Arden. As Gene prioritized sharing joy with the people in his life, the family asks you do the same – do the things that bring you joy and share it with those around you. Always keeping Gene in our hearts and reminding us that if we live a life of meaningful love and service, as Christ modeled for us, our cup will always be full.
In lieu of flowers please consider volunteering or donating to The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Groce Funeral Home's Lake Julian team is assisting the family.