Preston Gibney Evans Jr., age 56 of Canton passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at his residence. Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, February 2 from the Chapel of Darby Funeral Home at 12 Noon with Rev. Doug Mulkey officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 11AM till 12 noon at Darby Funeral Home. Mr. Evans is survived by his Wife Sandra Evans of Canton; Son Preston Gibney ”Gibb” Evans III of Tacoma, WA; Sisters Holleigh Taylor of Durham, NC and Mary Beth Evans of Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Wounded Warriors or the USO. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preston Gibney Evans Jr.
Previous post: Zachary Allen Rose
Next post: Whit Mahan
Sending my deepest sympathy. I loved Pete ,I have some great memories of fun times we had growing up. Wish i could be their to give all of you a great big hug, but know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love all of you very much. Melodie
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Evans. I have lost track of you over the years, but think often of Gibb. My memories of your family are followed by a smile. I will be out of town on Saturday and will not be able to come personally to speak to you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Patty Mann
I am sorry to here about Pete, we grew up going to the same church! Holleigh & I went through high school together. It was a wonderful person! Praying for the family during this time. I will not be able to be there, but will be in my thoughts & prayers. Love, Beth
I grew up with Pete in Albertville, he was a special guy. A typical Pete memory, he and I saw ZZ Top at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, before they were famous and before we were old enough to be there!
Pete, you will be missed. You absolutely cared about people and they could feel it. I will still discuss racing with you in my head. God speed until we meet again. To your family – our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Excruciating grief. Your earthly presence has been of importance and will be honored on earth by those who remain and have been touched by your life.
It is truly trajic to lose not only a great friend but a man that had so much to offer and helped so many. Our love and prayers are with his family forever as I know he will be looking over us. Petie you will always traveling with me — Stevo.
Dear Sandra, Gib and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Pete. We are in shock actually. Our whole hearts and thoughts are with you all. Please know that we will be praying for you all. I (Debbie) had a great conversation with him – about so many things in the hotel in Columbus when we were waiting for Gib and Franke. It was as if I’d known him for years……the openness of our conversation virtually between two strangers. Love, Debbie, Brittany and Larry Crandall
Pete, you were a wonderful person to work with. Your giving spirit will always be remembered. The Saturdays you came in to work to take photos of the kids on Santa Saturday were so appreciated! Thank you for your patience as you tutored me on how to work the media in the auditorium. I hope you felt the appreciation and love felt for you throughout the office. To Pete’s family, he was a truly a great guy and I was blessed to have known him!
I went to High School with Pete in Albertville and have known him since 1972. The things that I remember about Pete were that you could not be around him without him somehow being able to make you laugh as hard as you have laughed in a long time. Pete was one of my favorite people in High School because he made it fun and I loved his music selection at WQSB playing long Rock Albums before WQSB went country. Love ya Pete and We are gonna miss ya. Sorry for your loss Mary Beth and the rest of the family.
Pete and I were neighbors. He and his family were very special. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Pete and I were neighbors and clasmmates at Albertville High School. He was a great guy. Pete never tried to be anybody but himself — the genuine article! Some of my fond memories with Pete — frog-gigging at Wakefield’s pond, the AHS kazoo band, Coronation Ball skits — are examples of simple and joyous times that I know many of us who grew up with him are honored to have and cherish. Holleigh, Mary Beth and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pete was one of the first friends I made in school. We were in Ms. Eichelberger’s first grade class at McCord Elementary along with other characters like Bob Johnson, Mike Mastin, Frank Stevens, Joe Lusk and the infamous David Ledbetter. Pete was one of those kids that you just gravitated toward because of his wit, sense of humor and overall positive persona. He could make you laugh and, just as importantly, would laugh with you (or at you) as well. Pete was a free thinker, not bound by following the crowd or just doing what was popular …he was truly unique. We sat beside each other in physics class our senior year; I don’t know if or how we learned anything because we were always laughing and cutting up, mostly making fun of something (or quite often someone).
I am very saddened that Pete has left us so soon. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to know him. My sympathy goes out to all family, co-workers and friends as I know he will be greatly missed.
I went to high school with Pete. Pete was one of a few friends who embraced photography and movies seriously. He was a thoughtful person. He bought me a copy of The Way We Were, the novelization of the film that still sits on my bookshelf today. Condolences and thoughts to the family.
Pete and I were classmates from elementary through
High school! We then both went to Auburn
At the same time! There was one thing that was
A guarantee every time you saw Pete, and that
Was his smile! The world will be a little dimmer
With its loss! He was also an instrumental
Leader of the famous AHS kazoo band!
I bet his namesake St. Pete will get an earful
Of the AHS fight song! My prayers and condolences
Go out to all the family!
Dear Sandra, Gib and Family,
I worked with Pete at Jernigan Productions back in the 80s when we were all just trying to learn about video production and how we could make a living doing something we enjoyed. Pete was a big part of that. His terrific sense of humor kept us moving forward many times—and he could make a mean gin and tonic, which he often brought ingredients for at the end of a long day. I remember when he met and fell in love with you, Sandra, and the later birth of Gib. Although I have not spoken to him in many years, I will always have fond and very distinct memories of those times we shared. He was one of the good guys. My deepest sympathy to you for losing him at such an early age. May he rest in peace, and may your love for him and your cherished memories, comfort you in the days ahead.
Pete and I were friends in high school. He was a funny funny guy. I remember him being the leader of our Kazoo band using a plunger as a baton, wearing a WWII flying hat with flaps and goggles. I still picture that scene and laugh. Pete taught me how to listen to music, it wasn’t the loud head banging hurt your eardrums it was the quality of sound and the pureness of a note the talent of the musician that made music good. I listen to all music like that. Thank you Pete, your family is in my prayers.
To the family, so sorry your loved one has fallen a sleep in death. The Creator, never intened for anyone to die. That;s why his Son made this promise, found at “John 5:28,29″.
I was so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mari Beth, and your entire family. I cannot comprehend the grief you are experiencing. I still remember when Pete led the AHS kazoo band. He was always so much fun. I know he left an impact on all who were blessed to know him. He will be greatly missed.
My dear friend Pete – I attended your memorial service today and can’t adequately express just how deeply saddened I am that you have left us far too soon. Since learning the tragic news yesterday, my mind has been leaping from one fond memory to another of the times we shared together over 35 years, ever since we first met in college and became solid friends. You were so kind, wise, enthusiastic, encouraging, humorous, witty and had so many other wonderful qualities, as everyone whose lives you touched will attest. Though I will miss you so much, you will always live in my heart through cherished memories. My deepest condolences to your wife, son, sisters and all of your loved ones. They love you, and so do I.
I too grew up in Albertville and Pete was my friend. He was everything my classmates here have said about him, and then some. He was fun, smart, caring, and genuine. I am blessed to have known him and able to grow up with such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Pete Evans was the best neighbor and good friend anyone could ever ask for, he was always there for us through the good times and the bad! We have been neighbors with the Pete, Sandra & Gib for over 24 years now, our boys grew up together! We thank the Lord for the witness Pete and his family are to us, most of all for their friendship! Pete will be missed here on this earth! Job 29:3,4
Pete and I were also classmates at AHS. My memories of Pete during our school years are that he was always happy, always smiling, and funny. Pete came to our last high school reunion and I had the pleasure of talking with him. He was so genuine and seemed to be truly happy to reconnect with many friends from years gone by. I am so glad he was able to attend. He seemed to have a wonderful life and I know he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to Pete’s family~
Pete was my wife’s brother-in-law and my neighbor across the street, but more than that… a friend, a good friend! Pete would stop by, text, or call me at least every couple of weeks for the last 13 years. I’m still trying to process the thought that he’s no longer here, it’s just not right! I think I took advantage of the fact that he was always in contact with me, if I had something I wanted to tell or show him, I waited just because I knew he’d call me soon. I’d give anything to be able to call him now! Pete’s passing has me realizing now that I will no longer be the same, he’s left an example that will change my life for the better from now on. My whole family is deeply saddened and praying for Sandra, Gib, Holleigh, Mary Beth and the rest of the family.
So sorry to hear about Pete. I remember him as we grew up at ballfields and trouncing thru the neighborhood. Always friendly and funny. The whole family was a great family to know. Again, sorry to hear this. Gods peace be with you all.
My heart aches for Pete’s family. As “Co-Grandmother” with Pete’s sister, Holleigh, Pete instilled a memory for the two of us that will be with us the rest of our lives: “MOM-WOW: The Story of Two Moms” Thank you, Pete, for your endless gift. My love to all xoxo Bibi
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. May the God of all comfort bring you peace during this difficult time.
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Pete Evans. One of my favorite memories of Pete involves a go kart race, his winning of the race, and how he returned to the office a hero. Pete was a great guy to work with, commiserate with about crazy stuff, and a good friend.
Pete Evans was vital in his role at WFG and Aegon. He captured the very essence of our crusade to save america financially, and supported our company’s leaders in their mission. He was an important person in the lives the more than 25,000 field associates, documenting our progress and producing the tools to make us successful. In 18 years I never saw Pete angry or with a negative attitude about anyone or anything. I can’t say that about many people. Pete, you are in a better place now, but You will be sincerely missed here. God Bless You, and Rest in Peace.
Pete and I were friends and neighbors in Albertville. We would go to Mike Mastin’s house after church during the school year and play pool. He was the leader of the AHS kazoo band. Pete was just a special person. The world has lost a great occupant and he will be missed. His father, Preston was known as the “Candy Man” because he would always have peppermints in his pocket for us kids.
My thoughts and prayers to his family
My deepest condolences go out to the family. You can take comfort in knowing that God promises to end all suffering. No longer will death be of concern. May the many memories, along with these promises, strengthen the family in the days to come.-Revelation 21:4, Isaiah 25:8.
I could just carbon copy all that my childhood friends said about Pete. I, too, remember his dad carrying peppermints in his pocket. Mom said she ate many a peppermint from Pres at Town and Gown plays at the coliseum. Pete was in my 2nd grade class….Mrs. Hayes. As some have said, he was ahead of his time. He was also a neighbor of mine. Heres my Pete story. We built our 8th grade homecoming float in his garage, at night, when “hiding” your float from other classes was the norm. We “borrowed” a battery from Mr. Baugh’s car so our float had some movement. I cant believe we survived some of those things! Our parents would have rung our necks! My parents were good friends with the Evans family. My deepest sympathy to Petes son, wife, and his sisters and other family. He was a very cool guy. Like Belinda said, I, too, am glad that I was able to see him at our last reunion that Sher and I were so thoughtfully invited too. Many prayers!
Comments on this entry are closed.