Wayne Evans, 74, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Monday, May 25, 2020 at his residence.
Private graveside services will be held.
Mr. Evans was born April 23, 1946, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Buell & Beatrice Stone Evans. He was a 1964 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He was a very athletic student and loved sports. He excelled as a fullback for the Purple Hurricane football team and also participated in track and wrestling. He broke the previous Class A State Record in shot put with a throw of 52’-8 7/8“ and held that State Record for several years. At the same State Meet, he placed first with a discus throw of 133’-8”. He attended South Georgia College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Mr. Evans entered the United States Air Force in 1967 and served his country honorably for 21 years, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. He was stationed at Charleston AFB, South Carolina, Eglin AFB, Florida, DaNang AFB, Vietnam, and Plattsburgh AFB, New York. He was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation medal among many others. He worked as a structural planner and a production control technician in the Civil Engineering Unit. Following his retirement, Mr. Evans worked for the New York State Division of Veterans Services for 20 years where he worked tirelessly to help fellow veterans receive the benefits they earned and deserved. He was active in the American Legion while in New York and later transferred his membership to Post 99 in Fitzgerald. He was also a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans Association #1082 in Fitzgerald. He enjoyed working on classic cars and was passionate about restoring older cars back to their original glory. He completely restored a 1968 Roadrunner from the frame up. He was a member of Prospect Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Young Evans of Fitzgerald; daughter, Cheri Renee’ Evans of Plattsburgh, New York; son, Charles Wayne “D.J.” Evans, Jr. & Heather of Plattsburgh, New York; two grandchildren: Daniel and Brooke Evans; step-children: David Alan Roberts of Fitzgerald and Cindy Roberts Dennard of Fitzgerald; step-grandchildren: John Henry Roberts, Ty Dennard, and Emma Jo Roberts; as well as many friends and fellow veterans.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Hospice of Tift Area, P.O. Drawer 747, Tifton, GA 31793 or to Gideons International, Ben Hill-Irwin Camp, P.O. Box 752, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.