Donald Ray Evans of the Lois and Mulberry communities died at Vanderbilt Medical Center on Thursday, December 24 at the age of 74. A native of Moore County, Donald Ray was born on February 10, 1946 as the son of the late Claude and Mary Grammer Evans. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

According to his family, Donald Ray will be remembered not only as a serviceman, but as a gentleman who had a gentle touch a tender heart. “He also had a heart for animals and was kind to everyone, giving more than he ever took. He loved his God and served him daily, knowing where his ultimate home was. His wife, Dolly, was the love of his life. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly, raising his children with a firm hand, but also with love. He was their “Mr. Fix-it” and was always there to console his children when they needed a pick-me-up. He taught his girls about cars, how to work, and the importance of being independent. He wanted them to always know that there was nothing that they couldn’t do. He had a wonderful sense of humor and when he smiled, it was always genuine. Mr. Evans kept the community entertained by the sound of racing engines, race cars, and motorcycles. He enjoyed being outside on his tractor and in the woods,” according to the family.

His loving wife of nearly 50 years, Dolly Evans, survives him along with his daughters: Angela Fay Weddington (Jason) of Mulberry and Pamela Sue Bryson (Stewart) of Marietta; his sister, Wanda Fay Evans of Lynchburg; aunt, Margie Grammer of Tullahoma; as well as his grandchildren, Allyssa Hope Hannah (Zachary) of Charity, Faith Evans Weddington of Mulberry and fiancé, Tyler Simmons of Lincoln County, William West Bryson of Marietta, Oliver Stewart Bryson of Marietta. He is also survived by good friends, Larry and Nancy Hatfield of Mulberry and Gerald and Patty Hinkle of Lynchburg.

Graveside services for the family will be held at Lois Cemetery on Saturday, January 2 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Friends of Animals Rescue and Adoption Center at P.O. Box 8015, Lynchburg, TN 37352. •

{Editor’s Note: The Lynchburg Times publishes obituaries of Moore County residents and individuals whose immediate family live in Moore County at no cost to the family. We consider it a public service important for future genealogical research. Submit your information to [email protected].}