Larry "Smiley" Wayne Evans

In the song of life, Larry Wayne Evans was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Smiley preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Smiley believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Smiley perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

      Smiley was born on July 13, 1944 at Richard Baker Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina. His parents were Jack and Pauline Evans. Smiley was raised in Hickory, North Carolina. As a young child, Smiley was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Smiley rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

      Early on in his family relationships, Smiley showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with eight siblings. He had four older sisters, Geneva, Leona, Shelba Jean, and Jolene; two older brothers, Elmer and Jerry and two younger siblings; brother, Everette and sister, Dorothy. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As he was growing up, Smiley developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Smiley liked concrete things. Growing up, Smiley took part in basketball and VBS. In his spare time he liked hunting and ate most of what they killed. He liked to fix and put back together things that were broken. However, to Smiley, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      He graduated from St. Stephens High School in 1962. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Workshop at CVCC. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Coach Mac Brawley and Coach Walt Cornwell. He was co-captain of baseball, basketball, and football teams. He received All-Conference Awards in all of these Senior Superlative as Most Athletic.

      Those who didn’t know Smiley well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Smiley was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Smiley’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Larry Watts, Bill Huffman, Tommy and Alvin Murphy, and many golfing buddies. Later in life, he became friends with Mary Ann and Ken Hensley.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Smiley had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On October 14, 1962, Smiley exchanged wedding vows with his life partner, Burna Paulette Spencer at the St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) of Hickory, NC.

      Smiley was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Smiley was blessed with four daughters, Carmen, Gina, Paige, and Katrina. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Marcus, Amber, Austin, Mason, Evan, Nathan, Quinton, and Owen; and two great grandchildren, William and Wyatt.

      Smiley found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was co-owner of Evans Brothers Contactors for 37 years. He was employed at Shufford Mills Machine Shop and Hickory Packing Co.before becoming co-owner of Evans Brothers Contractors. Smiley tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

      Smiley enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were league softball and many years of golfing. Smiley was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

      Smiley liked sports. In high school, Smiley was co-captain and All-Conference in basketball, baseball, and football. Recreational sports included league softball and golfing. Smiley was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were college and NFL football, college basketball, and little league softball and baseball.

      Throughout his life, Smiley was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Smiley was President of the Monogram Club and a member of Key Club. Throughout his later years, Smiley was an active member of the SSHS Booster's Club. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Smiley’s faith was important to him. He was a childhood member of Community Baptist Church; in his adult years he became a member of Westside Baptist, Fairgrove Baptist, Sandy Ridge Baptist, and the last six years, Emmanuel Baptist Church. During that time, he was a Deacon of Faith Witness Outreach. Smiley's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Smiley was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. He often undervalued his achievements and abilities and simply viewed his performance as fulfilling his responsibilities. Some of his most prestigious awards included many awards in baseball, basketball and football in high school; and outstanding service award for SSHS Booster's Club, where he served for many years.

      Because he loved the world around him, Smiley enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Smiley put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included the mountains, his trip to the Grand Canyon, and where ever the family went was where he wanted to be.

      Smiley was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had nine grand dogs, his favorite grand dog was "Taz", a Yorkie. They were best friends for 11 years. He loved all of his grand dogs, but didn't get to spend as much time with all the others.

      When Smiley’s retirement finally arrived in January 1, 2017 from Evans Brothers Contactors, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in watching all his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events and playing golf as long as his health allowed. Even in retirement, Smiley continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

      Smiley passed away on November 12, 2019 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC. He battled congestive heart failure and COPD. He is survived by his wife, Paulette Evans; children, Carmen, Gina, Paige, and Katrina; sister, Shelba Jean; brother, Everette; grandchildren,Marcus, Mason, Evan, Nathan, Quinton, and Owen; great grandsons, William and Wyatt. Services were held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Conover, NC. Smiley was cremated and rests at home with his wife of 57 years, Paulette.

      Smiley was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. The most important thing to him was the time he spent with his family, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Smiley always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Smiley was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Larry Wayne Evans.

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Larry “Smiley” Wayne Evans, 75 of Hickory passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Catawba Memorial Hospital.

Larry was born in Catawba County on July 13, 1944.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Pauline Evans. His siblings Elmer Evans, Geneva Watts, Leona Townsend, Jolene White, Jerry Evans, Dorothy Hoyle; Grandchildren Austin Harris and Amber Tart.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of 57yrs, Paulette Evans; daughters, Carmen Harris and husband Lee, Gina Houston and husband Lynn, Paige Tart and Katrina Evans; grandchildren, Marcus Houston and wife Samantha, Mason Houston, Evan, Nathan and Owen Harris, and Quinton Tart; great-grandsons, William and Wyatt Houston. siblings; Everette “Ely” Evans and his wife Brenda and Shelba Jean Ledford.

Larry was co-owner of Evans Brothers Contractors for 37yrs. His passion for work and building remained with him far after retirement. He loved what he did and was truly gifted and talented in many ways. As passionate as he was about his profession, he was even more passionate about his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with them and was faithfully devoted to those he loved. His pride and joy was his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his many grand-dogs, especially his little buddy “Taz”, Katrina’s fur baby, whom he babysat on many occasions.

Larry’s nickname “Smiley” was given to him by his dad when he was just a young boy because he was always smiling and loved making others smile. He will always be known for his witty personality. He was also affectionately known as “Pappaw” to his family. He faithfully attended their many extra-curricular activities, even when it was physically challenging as his health declined over the years.

Larry loved the Lord with all his heart and always seeked him first. He and his wife were members of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He appreciated all the love, prayers and support and the many visits from Pastor Brian and Pastor Tim. The outpouring of love and support from his Sunday School Class, church members, family and friends will never be forgotten.

As his health declined, he was unable to get out as often. Special frequent visits by his brother “Ely”, sister ”Shelba Jean”, and Best friends, Ken and Mary Ann Hensley, as well many others, kept his spirits up and meant the world to him.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed time spent with all of his golfing buddies, both family and friends.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1405 Emmanuel Church Rd. Conover, NC 28613 with Pastor Brian Correll officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, in appreciation for all of Larry’s loving care during his illness.