John Rayford (J.R.) Evans, Jr.
January 16, 1926 - April 04, 2012John Rayford (J.R.) Evans, Jr., 86, died April 4. J.R. was born January 16, 1926 in Pine Level, N.C. to the late John Rayford Evans, Sr. and Bertha Rowe Evans. A long-time resident of Smithfield, NC, he was preceded in death by sister Grace Evans, step mother Ruby Evans and wife Lois Whitley Evans.
J.R. Evans, Jr. is survived by daughter Gail Evans Jordan and husband Hal, of Raleigh; son Wayne Evans and wife Carol of Salisbury, MD; grandchildren, Lea Jordan, Taylor Jordan, Scott Evans, Jim Evans; great grandchild Brynn; brothers Elwood Evans and wife Lucille of Raleigh; Shelton Evans and wife Peggy of Castle Hayne.
A graduate of Princeton High School, he served honorably in WWII as a Navy fireman on board the USS Calamares. Following the war, he married Ellen Parrish Evans and began a career as a newspaper pressman eventually retiring from the Smithfield Herald. During his life, J.R. was an active church member and served as a Deacon for many years.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 14 at the Pilkington Family Cemetery in Pine Level, NC.
Friends may make memorial contributions to: Pilkington Cemetery Inc. P.O. Box 1681 Clayton, N.C. 27528.