John Edward Evans

SHELBY- John Edward Evans, 74, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A native of Princeton, West Virginia, he was born December 23, 1937, son of the late Richard Warren and Mary Jarrell Evans. John was a 1955 graduate of Princeton High School and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Chemical Engineering degree in 1962. His high school friends claim that “He was the sort of guy who follows you into a revolving door and comes out first” He was plant supervisor for Greenlife Product Company in West Point, VA. During that time, he was active in the community and civic affairs by serving as President of the Jaycees, Chairman of the troop committee for Boy Scouts, and little league coach and counselor. He also took an active role in the community to attract industry. He relocated to Shelby in 1969. John worked at Hoechst Celanese for over 30 years and was co-owner of Jenny-Lain’s Children’s Shoppe in Shelby. John was the ultimate family man. He loved his wife, Lucille, dearly; they spent 32 wonderful years together. He cherished all the time he spent with each of his children & grandchildren as well as his nieces. His sister, Reggie, always had a special place in his heart. Outside his family, John, was an avid tennis player and always enjoyed playing matches with his friends. He also enjoyed the time he spent volunteering at the Shelby City Park Carousel. He will be loved and remembered by all who knew him.
SURVIVED: He is survived by his wife, Lucille Wright Evans of the home; two sons, Ike Evans and wife Kimberly of Elizabeth City and John Edward Evans II of Huntersville; three daughters, Tracy Cassarino and husband Angelo of New York, Jennifer Wright Bartlett and husband Craig of Indian Trail, Lainee Evans Smith and husband Toby of Rutherfordton; one sister, Reggie Speer and husband Gene of Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Clay Evans, Courtney Evans, Ashlyn Bartlett, and Andrew Bartlett. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Pansie Hamrick of Earl and three nieces, Shannon Evans, Mary Burch, and Erin Tomes.

SERVICES: A funeral service will be held 5:00 pm Sunday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby Chapel.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.

CLERGY: Rev. Russ Bradley, Rev. Len Byers, and Bill Gettys

BURIAL: Burial will immediately follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Earl.

MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 2621 Blacksburg Road, Earl, NC 28038.

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby