Walter Grivot Evans

“Wally Gator” as he was affectionately known by all was an extremely kind and generous man. Walter was loved dearly by his family and friends and touched countless lives along his journey. Walter was very devoted to his Catholic faith and was a long time member of Assumption Catholic Church in Jacksonville. Walter was an original guardian of Perpetual Adoration at Assumption and continued in his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament for many years.

Walter was a veteran of the US Army serving in the Philippines in the 1950s. Although Walter graduated from Florida State University, he was a lifelong and dedicated fan of the University of Florida. Wally Gator loved Gator football and was a longtime season-ticket holder along with his best friend Ed Pihl who also recently passed. Along with Gator football, Walter attended numerous sporting events in Gainesville throughout his life and generously supported the University of Florida in many different capacities. Walter is a distinguished and honored Life Member of the University of Florida Alumni Association.

Small in stature, but larger than life in spirit and strength, Walter was a very good athlete and weightlifter. He won numerous awards as a weightlifter in a sport that was in its infancy when he first started. He played basketball and lifted weights at the Jacksonville YMCA-Riverside for many years and was known for his scrappy play, speed, and hustle.

Walter worked for State Farm Insurance in Jacksonville for 33 years and retired in 1999. During his career at State Farm, Walter made many friends throughout Jacksonville. He shared his athletic talents by coaching State Farm's Jacksonville city league basketball and softball teams.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Marcia (Evans) Cox (Tim) of Marietta GA, his son, Christopher Evans (Suzanne) of Jacksonville, grandchildren Spencer Stevens of Jacksonville, Kristen (Stevens) Jenkins, of Jacksonville, Cameron Stevens of Hiram, GA, Caylin Evans of Jacksonville, Eric Evans (Meagan) of Palm Bay, Florida, Samantha Henry (Westley) of Grinnell, Iowa, and Orlando Pisegna of Los Angeles, CA.

Walter, “GGP” is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, Easton and Emerson Jenkins, Rylee Stevens, Aden Evans, Eamon, Evelyn and Eloise Evans, Carter, Kyle, Catherine, Caroline, Scarlett, and Shaylee Henry. Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Evans Clark, his father, John Clark, and two daughters, Catherine Evans and Cheri Evans.

A Prayer Vigil and family visitation for Walter will be held on Friday, December 6th at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel on San Jose Blvd from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass for Walter will be held at Assumption Catholic Church on Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Walter's memory to The University of Florida Health Science Center Library in Gainesville.