Walter Maurice Evans

Walt was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 41 years Becky Evans, son Bradley Evans, grandchildren Brooke Evans and Wyatt Evans, brothers Darnell (Faye) Evans and Keith Tucker, many in-laws, extended family and friends. Waiting for him on the other side were his son Taylor Evans, mother Louise Bishop, father Billy Evans and brother Malcolm (Mack) Evans.

Upon completion of high school Walt joined the U.S. Navy. He served his country for 21 years, retiring in 1997. Except for one four year enlistment spent in Key West, FL, his entire Navy career was spent in Jacksonville, FL between NAS Cecil Field and NAS Mayport. Upon his retirement from the US Navy Walt owned and operated Evans Brothers.

Family was foremost in Walt’s life. He met his wife, Becky, in January 1978 and they were married June 1979. They spent 41 years loving and supporting each other through good times and trying times. Walt always said his two biggest accomplishments were his sons Bradley and Taylor. He had fond memories of teaching them to hunt, fish, carpentry and basic life skills. He loved seeing his boys with their children and found joy watching all of them together. He was their protector and biggest supporter. The other two joys of Walt’s life were his grandchildren Brooke and Wyatt. They both know they had him wrapped around their little finger. He loved to “help” them with their school projects and made more than a few late night trips to the store to get supplies for a last minute project. Whether he was allowing Brooke to paint his fingernails pink or hoisting Wyatt up on a deer lift, no matter how big or small, he loved making memories with his grandchildren and his face would light up when he heard them laugh.

Walt was an avid outdoorsman. The highlight of each year was his annual hunting trip to Oklahoma. He was proud of the mounts he has but his biggest trophy was never put on a mount. It weighed in at 6900 lbs. and though there was no huge rack it did have a horn. For those who do not know the story; it was his truck. He also liked to gator hunt and fish. Woodworking and carpentry were other interests he enjoyed and he could do anything he put his mind to with the help of his blue straps.

There is nothing Walt would not do to for family and friends. Who else would light themselves on fire to entertain their family? Whether it meant sleeping in a baby crib to comfort his crying child, going out in the St. Johns river at 2:00 AM in a canoe with a mag flashlight or shutting down lanes of San Jose Blvd. to rescue his sister-in-law; he could be counted on to be there. He loved big and knew the importance of life lived with the ones you love.

All who knew and loved Walt will remember him for his lectures, which he usually enjoyed more than the kids listening to them, his many stories – some factual and others not so factual, the long cuts to wherever he was going, wedding anniversary dinners at Popeye’s, huge bear hugs, discussions/arguments on a variety of subjects – never admitting if he was wrong, his jokes that only he laughed at; but mostly for his huge heart and his silent but loud supportive love we all knew was there.

“And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die”

John 11:26

Visitation will be held Friday, July 31 at 5:00 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 1, 11:30 at Old Plank Baptist Church 8964 Old Plank Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32220.