Richard A Evors

Richard A. Evors, 88, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by those he loved. Born on August 24, 1937, in Jacksonville, Florida, Richard lived a life defined by service, faith, quiet excellence, and deep devotion to family.

Early on a Sunday morning, Richard was called home to heaven, welcomed by God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the saints and angels who preceded him. Having completed his work on earth, he entered eternal rest with peace and grace.

Richard was born to Emma Mae (Shockly) Evors and Theron Seth Evors and was raised in Jacksonville. Though an only child to his parents, he shared a bond with his older half-brother, Willard Evors. From humble beginnings, Richard distinguished himself early through discipline and determination. As an 8-year-old boy shining shoes on the sidewalks of Miami for his family’s grocery money, he never imagined that at 15 he would win national marksmanship titles in the National Guard, at 25 he would become a first-generation college graduate, and ultimately retire as both an engineer from civil service and a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force reserves, bedecked with meritorious awards for his technical prowess and service to his nation.

He graduated from Paxon High School as an accomplished athlete, lettering in baseball, football, and track during high school. As a standout sprinter, Richard held the record for the fastest 100-yard dash at Robert E. Lee High School for 42 years. He became the first in his family to earn a college degree, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Jacksonville University and lettering in marksmanship along the way. He worked his way through college, primarily as a draftsman, again a testament to his strong work ethic and perseverance.

At just 15 years old, Richard joined the Florida Army National Guard, where he served for ten years and excelled as a competitive marksman. As a member of the Florida National Guard Rifle Team, he attended the national rifle matches annually and earned numerous awards. His exceptional skill helped propel the team to a record-setting first-place national finish in 1953, and his individual score matched the highest ever recorded at that time. Richard often credited his supervisor and mentor, George Martin, as one of the most influential figures in his life, shaping his character, discipline, and approach to leadership.

On June 8, 1962, during his final year of college, Richard married the love of his life, Mary Grace Pajcic. Their marriage of 63½ years was marked by devotion, partnership, and joy. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and opportunity for their children.

That same year, Richard began a remarkable 33-year career as a civil service engineer, first at the Naval Weapons Lab in Dahlgren, Virginia, and later at Eglin Air Force Base, where he spent the remainder of his professional life. His work focused on the development and testing of advanced munitions, particularly precision guided munitions using lidar and infrared sensors, including the GBU and MOAB. During the final decade of his career, he traveled internationally in support of allied defense efforts, with Sweden and Israel holding a special place in his memories.

In addition to his civilian career, Richard joined the Air Force Reserves at age 37. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he retired from military service in 1997. He received many awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal for his work as a Munitions Programming Engineer, culminating his distinguished career in the AF Reserves.

Richard was equally committed to service in his community. He joined the Jaycees in 1966, serving as Vice President and President of the local chapter before advancing to leadership roles at the state level. Through this work, he traveled extensively and had the honor of becoming acquainted with General Daniel “Chappie” James, the first African American four-star general in the United States Armed Forces.

A devoted father, Richard volunteered extensively with the Boy Scouts and coached numerous youth sports. The life achievement of which he was most proud of is the happy and successful lives being led, and the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Richard embraced life fully, enjoying travel, sports, and the outdoors well into his 80s. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and hiker, and held a special affection for Bryson City, North Carolina, where he helped his in-laws build a cabin in the 1970s. He lovingly maintained the cabin with the same care and enthusiasm, as if it were box seats at Doak Campbell stadium. He loved watching his beloved ‘Noles!

Richard’s life reflected the heart of the Jaycee creed: “Service to humanity is the best work of life.” His warmth, smile, and boundless energy will live on in all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Grace Pajcic Evors of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; his children, Cindy Daniell, Jackie August, and Rick Evors; his grandchildren, Jeff Balentine, Ethan Daniell, and Zoe August; step-grandchildren, Stephen and John Cahalane; and great-grandchildren, Kelsey Balentine and Aiden Balentine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theron Seth Evors and Emma Mae (Shockly) Evors, and his brother, Willard Evors.

A private gathering for family and close friends was held on December 10, 2025, in Fort Walton Beach, Richard’s home of 61 years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at:

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home

7242 Normandy Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32205

11:00 Visitation at Buckman Chapel

12:00 Service at Buckman Chapel

1:00 Graveside Ceremony at Riverside Memorial Park

Following this ceremony, there will be a reception at the home of Steve Pajcic

Richard was diagnosed with dementia in 2020 and was lovingly and tirelessly supported and cared for by his wife and children. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Home Instead, Emerald Coast Hospice, and Joyful Place for the compassionate and dignified care he received in his final years.

If you would like to honor Richard’s incredible life, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Joyful Place, an elder care center. It was both therapeutic and invigorating for Richard, and he enjoyed it very much. You can see what they do at this link. https://trinityfwb.org/what-we-do/joyful-place-respite. The link for a donation is https://onrealm.org/TrinityUnitedMe27845/-/form/give/JP

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family through Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/florida/jacksonville/hardage-giddens-riverside-memorial-park-funeral-home/2548