WILMINGTON — Jack Bussey Evans, 64, born June 23, 1955, passed peacefully Friday, May 8, 2020, surrounded by family and friends after a valiant struggle with his heart transplant and kidney disease.
He was the son of the late Jackie and Howard Evans. He leaves behind his loving wife of 43 years, Yolanda Strickland Evans; and three wonderful daughters, Sara Evans of Durham, Leslie Evans of Raleigh and Jessica Evans (Chris Panucci) of Charlotte, who will miss him deeply. He was blessed with an amazing older sister, Ramona Spencer and family; loving niece, Kristen and James Hatcher, nephew, Brian and Tracy Spencer, niece, Ava; namesake and nephew, Jack; and sisters-in-law, Rhonda (Dwight Gainey and family) and Sondra (Bob Baty and family). He was a man with many special friends who became family, Linda and Jim Scott, and their son, Michael, and Jack’s godson, Matthew; and Carol and Bill Sellars, Judy and Ray Funderburk III and too many more amazing friends to list.
Jack grew up in Hallsboro, a nature lover from the start. He was an Eagle Scout that could solve most problems, an avid golfer, rugby player and coach, and spent every possible free moment on the boat with his family and friends on Lea Island.
He loved sports, but especially high school and collegiate wrestling, which he lettered in at Hoggard High School and Campbell College. He discovered the brotherhood of Cape Fear Rugby after college, making many more friends that would become family, and eventually coaching the UNCW Rugby team.
He was a lifelong, and often heartbroken, North Carolina State Wolfpack fan. He watched many State-Carolina games as Yolanda cheered passionately for the Tar Heels by his side. He worked at General Electric for over 30 years, forming deep and lasting friendships with coworkers, who will always be “Friends of Jack.”
Jack lived life to the fullest with his tough, fighting spirit and had a deep love of the sea. He requested his ashes be returned to the place he loved the most. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, he would want you to “use it up and wear it out.”
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
