Steven Roy Evans joined the love of his life in the presence of our Savior on November 13, 2024. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Navy veteran, Steve was born on August 19, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, to 1st Lt. George Ollie Evans (USAAF) and Anne D. Evans. Growing up in a military family, he lived in various places, including San Antonio, Texas; Fukuoka, Japan; Merced, California; Goldsboro, North Carolina; and Holyoke, Massachusetts, before the family settled in Columbus, Ohio, after his father's retirement from the US Air Force in 1966.
Steve was a Naval ROTC cadet at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he met Mary Jacqueline “Jackie” Carlisle, the love of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Mississippi in June of 1969. Steve and Jackie married on December 19, 1969, and after they both graduated from Ole Miss, Steve began a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. He earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in September, 1976.
Jackie and Steve shared an adventurous life as they raised their two children, Scott and Leslie, moving frequently due to Steve's military service. While Jackie yearned to settle in one place, Steve always promised that they’d find a permanent home in her chosen setting after he retired.
Steve was first commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and served in many capacities, including aboard the USS Larson and later, after earning the rank of US Navy Captain, was installed as the Base Commander of the Portsmouth, Rhode Island Naval Ship Repair Station. He was a graduate of the U. S. Naval War College in Monterey, California, and later served in Environmental Affairs at the Pentagon. He also trained at the U.S. Navy Ship Simulator Lab in New Orleans where his brother, Warren Allen Evans, worked. Over his long military career, Steve received several commendations, including four Meritorious Service Awards and the Navy Achievement Medal.
After retiring as a U.S. Navy Captain in 1996, Steve fulfilled his promise to Jackie, and they made their home in Blairsville, Georgia, where they enjoyed the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They shared 55 years of marriage before Jackie’s passing February 17, 2024.
Steve’s family and friends will remember him for his unwavering dedication to his country, his family, and his community. Those who knew him describe him as a kind, humble man of deep faith, who was always deeply in love with his wife. His legacy of honor, integrity, and love will be cherished by all who knew him.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie; his father, Lt. Col. George O. Evans (USAF); his mother, Anne (Davis); and his brother, George Wayne Evans (Patty McClain). He is survived by his brothers Warren Allen Evans (Rhonda Farmer) of Covington, LA, and Michael Glenn Evans (Jennifer Bentley) of Seattle, WA; his children, Christopher Scott Evans (Edie) of Madison, MS, and Leslie Carlisle Evans of Baton Rouge, LA; his cherished grandchildren, William Trotter Evans (22) and Silas Evan Trahan (11), and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Steven R. Evans will be Monday, November 18, 2024, at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. Visitation begins at 12:00 noon, and service is 1:00 pm in the Coleman Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a graveside service. Rev. Tommy Robinson officiating.