Gerald Meredith Evans

Gerald M. “Jerry” Evans, loving widowed husband, father, and grandfather, went to his Heavenly reward on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 in Pinehurst, NC. Born in Matoaca, VA, he was a lifelong member of Matoaca United Methodist Church and attended Matoaca Elementary School. Jerry was known in his youth as “Pickles” and at Petersburg High School as “Freight Train Evans,” but his grandchildren called him “PopPop.” He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years Ann Downing Evans and his parents Grace Meredith Evans and Norwood Thomas Evans. He is survived by his sons Gerald M. Evans II (wife Joni) of Newport News, VA and Douglas Wayne Evans (wife Jean) of Pinehurst, NC, five grandchildren, Michael, Johnathan, Jessica, Rebecca, and Gerald M. III “Trey”, Aunt Ferebee E. Bowman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Ruby Downing, nephew, Andy Downing and family, niece Kelly D. Burton and family, and numerous cousins.
After graduating from Petersburg High School he worked at Titmus Optical in Petersburg, VA and then served one tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force. He returned to South Chesterfield and worked for Allied Chemical (now Honeywell) until his retirement in 1992. He was a co-founder of the Matoaca Sportsman Club and coached many Matoaca and Ettrick youth in Little League baseball and Quarterback League football. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster to Boy Scout Troop 136. He also spent many years helping to run the scoreboard for Matoaca High School football games. He and Ann Joyce loved to travel and enjoyed visiting all 50 of the United States. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending many hours on the water and hunting in retirement with his good friend Norman “Pinky” Pinkleton.
The memorial service will be held Monday, May 11, 2015 at Matoaca United Methodist Church, located at 6301 River Road, South Chesterfield, VA. The family will accept visitors at the church beginning at 1:00 pm, followed by the service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Matoaca United Methodist Church Community Outreach Building (COB) Fund, 6301 River Road, South Chesterfield, VA 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .