Perry Walter Evans

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ellen Evans; son, Kerry Evans; Daughters, Dawna Strickland and Lorrie (Jim) Dovin; grandchildren, Brandon (Tracie) Strickland, Benjamin (Karen) Evans, Savana (Johnathan) Childress and Michael Dovin; great grandchildren, Alex, Ella, and Elijah Strickland; close family members Charles Morgan and Ollie Campbell; caregiver Kim Eubanks, and numerous family and friends.He was born in the Wilmer hotel, attended Creighton Elementary school; at 9 years old, he delivered papers for the Mobile Press Register, and worked at Greers while in high school. He graduated from Murphy High School in 1945. Mr. Evans was an active leader in the community and church and was a man of exceptional faith. Upon graduating from high school, he served as president of the Youth Methodist Fellowship, and continued to serve as an active lifelong member of the Wilmer United Methodist Church and was a founding member of West Wilmer Methodist Church. On Sunday’s, Mr. Evans would usually be attending services at both churches, often escorted by his daughter Dawna. Mr. Evans was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served with distinction in the 707th AAA Gun Battalion as a meteorologist. On June 17, 1952, he married the love of his life, Ellen Prine. After his military service, he worked for City Sales in Mobile. In 1958, Perry and Ellen established Evans General Store and in 1968 established Wilmer’s 1st fire department. In 1970, he led the effort to incorporate the town of Wilmer and was elected as Wilmer’s 1st Mayor. In 1976, Evans Hardware was established and continues to serve the community today.In life, one of Mr. Perry Evan’s favorite things to do was to walk and explore his property (the woods) with his children and grandchildren. When traveling, it was not unusual for him to take an untraveled road to see what new scenery God has offered for him to explore. His enthusiasm for traveling and adventure was often evident by the display of his Nissan SUV bumper and fenders being held on by bailing wire and duct tape that meet the misfortune of trees on his day of exploration. These were often occurrences, as he directed his grandson Michael to just drive over it or through it, as he continued to explore the natural beauty. Every Sunday, after worship, was a time for the family gathering at the Big House. One of the traditions was to divide the Newspaper for reading, everyone had their favorite section. For Perry, it was the obituaries. Perry Evans was always interested in his obituaries, he would often say, I just want to make sure I am not in here. Well that day has arrived; the Lord has called him home. Perry you won’t need your glasses to read this. Rest easy Perry, Husband, Dad, Paw, Friend, Servant-in-Christ; you will be missed but never forgotten, we love you.

The family will receive friends from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. on Saturday, Feb 11, at Wilmer United Methodist church, followed by church service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wilmer Cemetery Fund, in care of WUMC, POB 156, Wilmer, AL. Arrangements under the direction of Radney Funeral Home-Mobile, Mobile, AL.