William Luman Evans Jr.

Mr. Evans was preceded in death by his mother, Jess Merle Evans, and his father, WIlliam Luman Evans; his first wife of 33 years, Sheila Duzan Evans, and his second wife, Virginia Maddox Evans.

Mr. Evans is survived by his two brothers, Dan and Robert Evans, his daughter, Sharon Evans Lyle, his son, William Dennis Evans, and his son-in-law, Rob Lyle. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Mikayla Christine Thorton, Juleanna Renee Flores-Hart, Mia Beth Evans, Garrison Rhett Lyle, and Gavin Robert Lyle.

After graduating from the University of North Alabama, Mr. Evans married Sheila Beth Duzan on June 21, 1970. They lived in Montgomery throughout their marriage. They had one daughter, Sharon Renee Evans, and one son, William Dennis Evans. Bill and Sheila were married for 33 years, until Sheila lost her battle with breast cancer on August 13, 2003 at the age of 57.

Four years after Sheila’s death, Mr. Evans married Virginia Maddox. They were married until Virginia died from Alzheimer's Disease in January of 2020.

Mr. Evans taught life sciences and physical education for 26 years for the Montgomery County Public School System. During his retirement he held several jobs including delivering for Napa Auto Parts, and serving as the elementary custodian for Alabama Christian Academy.

Mr. Evans was a life-long member of the Church of Christ. He worshiped with several Montgomery congregations, including Panama Street, Eastern Meadows, and University Church of Christ. Mr. Evans had a heart for service, and loved to help others, particularly widows, with yard work, house painting, and furniture restoration.

Mr. Evans always considered himself a “country boy.” He was a man of simple pleasures. In his youth, he enjoyed fishing and rambling through the woods with his brothers. He was a talented gardener throughout his life. Growing fresh vegetables and flowers for his friends and family was a labor of love that he deeply enjoyed. His favorite meal was a homegrown tomato sandwich, cornbread, sweet tea with fresh lemon, and coconut cake for dessert. Later in life his favorite thing to do was to sit on his front porch and quietly observe the birds, squirrels, hummingbirds, and neighborhood cats.

Mr. Evans’ grandchildren called him their Papa Bill. They remember that he loved to blast the song, “Little Bitty” by Alan Jackson on his ancient stereo system. He always felt like he was a small man in a big world. But just like the song says, “It’s alright to be little bitty, Might as well share, might as well smile, Life goes on for a little bitty while.” Papa Bill may have been short in stature, but his influence made a huge and everlasting impact in the lives of the people around him.

Mr. Evans valued good food and family time. One of his favorite sayings was, “Let’s all sit down at the table together for supper and visit awhile!” His friends and family have many precious memories of supper table conversions with Papa Bill. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:5-6

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Leak Memory Chapel on Monday July15, 2024 at 11 AM with a family and friends visitation one hour prior to service.