Mr. Willie Ralph Evans, 93, of LaFayette died Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church, 2467 Co. Rd. 28, LaFayette at 2:00 p.m. (CST) with Rev. Calvin Marshall officiating. Interment will be in the New Mt. Seller Baptist Church Cemetery, LaFayette. The remains will lie in state at the church from 1:00 p.m. (CST) until the funeral hour. Public viewing will be on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 2: 00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST) at Vines Funeral Home.
Mr. Willie Ralph Evans, beloved son of the late Arthur James Evans and Mary Dowdell Evans, was born on July 4, 1931, in LaFayette, Alabama.
A devoted member of the Antioch Baptist Church, Mr. Evans took great pride in his faith and joyfully served as a member of the choir. Singing was a passion for him, and he found immense joy in praising God through music.
On December 11, 1953, Willie was united in holy matrimony with Ada Mae Evans. Seven children were born to this union.
Mr. Evans was a man who loved simple pleasures. Whether tending to his garden, cheering for his favorite football team, the Auburn Tigers, or spending cherished moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “PaPa,” he lived a life full of warmth, love, and dedication to family and community.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ada Mae Evans.
Mr. Wille Ralph Evans leaves to cherish his memories: two daughters: Victoria (Rondy) Henderson of Cusseta, AL and Mary Jean Floyd of LaFayette, AL; five sons: John (Annie) Evans of Mobile, AL, Jay Cee (Jennifer) Evans of Oak Hill, FL, Jimmie (Brenda) Evans of Cusseta, AL, Arthur (Linda) Evans and Willie Lee (Dyann) Evans, both of LaFayette, AL; five sisters-in-law: Yvonne Watts of Frost Proof, FL; Lizzie (Joe) Love of Waverly, AL; Etheirine Watts of Frost Proof, FL; Rosie Mae Johnson of Loachapoka, AL; and Mattie (Amos) Kirk of Chattanooga, TN; one brother-in-law, Joseph (Mary) Watts of Waverly, AL; 23 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; three special grandchildren: Takeshia Story and Latoya Cooper, both of Cusseta, AL and Martavious Floyd of LaFayette, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
