Kenneth Ivory Evans Sr.

Kenneth Ivory Evans Sr., known to family and friends as a gentle giant with a marshmallow heart, passed at Southern Regional Hospital on May 28, 2026. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 19, 1956, he was the youngest of Ruby Wooden’s eight children. Kenneth graduated from Howard High School in 1974 and earned his degree from Morehouse College, Class of 1979. He retired from AT&T as a communications engineer after a career marked by hard work, skill and dedication.

For 41 years he shared a loving marriage with Jacqueline Barkley Evans, building a home filled with faith, laughter, and loyalty. A devoted husband and loving father, Kenneth was affectionately called “The Candy Man” by his children for his treasure trove of sweets.

Ken loved music and played the trombone. The family’s home and car rides were filled with his extensive music collection. He taught Tai Chi, bringing calm and balance to his life, and the lives of his students. An avid sports fan, through wins and losses, he followed his favorite teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Francisco 49ers. He valued sportsmanship and fairness, which was evident while officiating youth basketball games.

Ken’s life was filled with faith in God, love for his family and friends. He will be remembered for his jokes, using them to encourage anyone within his path. He filled the world around him with faith, hope and love, the greatest of these being love.

He is survived by his wife Jacqueline; children Kenneth II, Jessica, Nicholas, and Kristina Evans; siblings Nell (Freddie Jr.) Warren, Marva J. (James) Smith, Samilla Turner, Christy (Shakir) Rashed, Vaughn (Debbie) Evans; sisters‑in‑law Esther (Larry) Davis and Gwen (Larry) Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.