Edward Leonard Evan

Evan, Edward Leonard

February 14, 1935 - February 6, 2022

Edward Leonard Evans passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, after a brief illness. Ed was born on Valentine's Day in 1935 at the family home in Jonesville, NC. Ed was the fourth of seven children born to Hubert and Ila Evans. As a true middle child, Ed made a name for himself as a prankster but would have defended his parents and siblings at all costs. Young Ed had little use for education; had it not been for his high school principal, he would have dropped out of school. Instead, Ed graduated from high school, was accepted into college, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Lenore Rhyne College.

While at LR, his roommate set him up on a blind date with the beautiful Janet Pope from Appalachian State University. Janet had her eye on the roommate, but once she met the stocky, hilariously funny Ed, she was smitten. Actually, Ed was smitten, and Janet agreed to keep seeing him because he made her laugh.

After graduating and a year in the US Army, Ed and Janet were married in 1959. Ed served 6 years in the Army. In 1961, while serving at Fort Benning, GA, Ed attended a Billy Graham Crusade. It was there that Ed gave his life to Jesus. From that moment on, Ed's passions were Jesus and Janet, and soon to follow, daughter Virginia and son Eddie.

Ed retired early from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company after being the production manager for Whitaker Park. After retirement, Ed and Janet spent most of their time traveling around the world preaching about Jesus as volunteers for the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. When they were not traveling, their time was spent adoring and doting on their six grandchildren.

Ed loved his church, First Baptist Stanleyville. He served and taught Sunday School as long as he was able. He loved working in his yard, especially mowing grass. He took great joy in mowing the lawns of the widows who lived around him. His last words to his family were, "Keep looking up. Never abandon your faith. It's going to be alright. I'm moving up. I love you."

Ed is survived by his brother Allen Evans (Connie) and his sister Katie Lee Shockley (Homer).

Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Stanleyville on Friday, February 11, at 2 pm. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service at 1 pm. Interment to follow at Forsyth Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church Stanleyville or The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association BGEA. Online condolences may be made at www.salemfh.com/.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106