MURFREESBORO, NC – Edward Robert Evans, Jr., known affectionately as ER, passed away on August 19, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born on January 19, 1939 in Norfolk, Virginia and was the son of Edward Robert Evans, Sr. and Connie Wynns Evans. ER was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Mary Lou Evans.
Mr. Evans was a devoted family man who always put his loved ones first. His beloved wife of 63 years, Sandra, and their two daughters, Deda Evans (friend, Doug Tutwiler) of Ahoskie and Stacy Rowland and her husband Mark of Charlotte, were the center of his world. He cherished his role as a grandfather to grandchildren, Cameron Williford (Courtney) of Greenville, Chip Williford (Holly) of Newport, Lily Rowland of UNC Chapel Hill, and Eli Rowland of Virginia Tech. ER’s brother, Ernest L. Evans and wife Austine of Ahoskie, nephew, Brad Evans (Liz), nieces, Tina Wood, and Blair James (Jason) and cousin, Margaret Dukes Pomeroy (Vann) of Newport Beach, CA, also survive him.
ER had a deep passion for farming and spent many fulfilling years tending to his beloved farms, including the farm he called home, Tall Cotton. He found joy in working the land and developed lifelong friendships through his Tall Cotton Hunting Preserve. An avid outdoorsman, ER enjoyed fishing and bird hunting. He took pleasure in organizing events and bringing hunters together for both hunting and socializing. He also delighted in passing down his knowledge and love for hunting and fishing to his grandchildren.
ER spent 50 years as a Shriner and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. He attended Campbell College and UNC Chapel Hill. ER was a very generous man, and being blessed by the Lord, he wanted to share those blessings with others. He dabbled in different ventures throughout his work career, from Coastal Concrete to Dare Concrete, Hampton Roads Equipment Company, and Sportsman’s Edge, but he was always happiest at Tall Cotton.
The family will receive friends at the home of ER’s daughter, Deda on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Services to celebrate ER’s life will be held during one of his favorite times of the year, harvest time. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00 am on the lawn of ER’s home at Tall Cotton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or online by clicking here or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here
The arrangements for the Evans family are being handled by Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
ER will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend will forever be cherished in our hearts.
Sincere sympathies to all the family from the G. Winston Warren Family.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family as we join in the sorrow and grief of Ed’s passing. We’ll never forget the treasured memories we’ve shared that have enriched our lives. He was truly one-of-a-kind and we were blessed having his friendship for over 35 years. Much love our dearest friend. Byron and Debi Black
We were saddened to hear of ER’s death. He was such a pleasure to talk to. Our prayers go out to Sandra and the family.
Sandra, so saddened to hear of Ed Roberts death. Love and prayers to you and all your family.
Please give love to Ernie!
Connie
Sandra and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know how very committed Ed was to all of you and how very proud your Mother and Dad were of all of you. Our deepest sympathies! The Norman Hopkins Family: Norman Jr. (Mary), Ronnie (Linda), Peggy (Richard Thompson).
I will definitely miss the great conversations about economics, politics, and life in general. I consider him as one of my teachers.
Billy Lane will miss Mr Evans always had and great relationship with him.Billy Lane and hunting club
My sincere condolences to you and your family Sandra. You and Ed Robert meant so much to Lee and me. He spoke of you both often with fond memories. Life is too short for sure.
Mrs. Sandra, Deda, Stacy and family, Mr. Ed Robert was a good friend to so many. Dad has many fond memories from flushing a covey of birds to fishing from Wanchese. Our family is sending love and prayers to you all.
The Hassells
Mrs. Evans, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Evans passing. He was always so nice to me whenever I saw him.