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 all the saints and angels.

Richard was born to Emma Mae (Shockly) Evors and Theron Seth Evors and was raised in Jacksonville, along with his older half-brother, Willard Evors. From humble beginnings, he distinguished himself early through discipline and determination, shining shoes as an 8 year old boy in Miami to help pay for family groceries, joining the National Guard at 15 and winning national marksmanship titles, becoming a first generation college graduate, and ultimately retiring as both a civil service engineer and a Lt Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.

He graduated from Paxon High School as an accomplished athlete, lettering in baseball, football, and track. As a standout sprinter he held the 100 yard dash record at Robert E. Lee High School for 42 years. Richard became the first in his family to earn a college degree, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Jacksonville University while working his way through school as a draftsman.

At just 15, Richard joined the Florida Army National Guard, serving for ten years and excelling as a competitive marksman on the Florida National Guard Rifle Team, earning numerous awards, and record-setting individual and team national titles in 1953. He credited his supervisor and mentor, George Martin, as one of the most influential figures of his life, shaping his character and approach to leadership.

On June 8, 1962, during his final year of college, Richard married the love of his life, Mary Grace Pajcic, and together they shared 63½ years of devoted marriage. That same year he began a 33 year career as a civil service engineer, first at the Naval Weapons Lab in Dahlgren, Virginia, and later at Eglin Air Force Base. His work focused on development and testing of advanced munitions, including precision guided systems using lidar and infrared sensors, while traveling to support allied efforts abroad.

In addition to his civilian work, Richard joined the Air Force Reserves at age 37, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1997. Richard was deeply committed to community service, joining the Jaycees in 1966, serving as VP and President of the local chapter, then in leadership roles at the state level.

A devoted father, Richard volunteered with the Boy Scouts and coached numerous youth sports. He counted as his greatest achievement the happy and successful lives of his children and grandchildren. He 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 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.

He 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.

If you would like to honor Richard’s incredible life, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Joyful Place at https://onrealm.org/TrinityUnitedMe27845/-/form/give/JP