Oliver Wendell Evans, Sr., age 85, of Magnolia left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Friday, March 30, 2012 from his residence.

He was born February 22, 1927 in Duplin County; the son of the late John Williams and Bertha Batts Evans. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Stacy and Ed Evans and sister, Eldred Wells.

Mr. Evans was a life-long and dedicated member of Magnolia Baptist Church.

Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Annie Rivenbark Evans; his devoted children, Oliver Wendell "Wendy" Evans, Jr. (Suzann) of Magnolia, Beverly Evans of Austin, TX, Timmy Evans (Trilby) and Angie Evans Carter (Newt), all of Kenansville; grandchildren, Tim Evans (Jessica), John Oliver Evans and Anna Laurie Carter; step-grandchildren, Jamie House and Rebecca House; brothers, Harold Evans (Shirley) of Wallace, John V. Evans and Darwin Evans (Dorthea), all of Mt. Olive; special cousin, Acey Evans of Kenansville and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Wendell was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and brother. He found great joy in the simplest things, but his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. Being an avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing with Darwin and Harold every Saturday after eating breakfast at Shawn's Restaurant. Wendell was a man with a great sense of humor, a gentle spirit and a love for his fellowman. Not only did he love to catch fish, he also enjoyed sharing his catch with his neighbors, friends and family. Wendell had a deep, private relationship with God and demonstrated his faith in the way he lived his life. Cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved Wendell Evans.

Funeral service will be 4:00pm, Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Magnolia Baptist Church with the Reverend Dan Sellers and the Reverend Russ Evans officiating.

Burial will follow in Devotional Gardens in Warsaw.

Casketbearers will be N.H. Bell, Keith Evans, Ricky Evans, Cole Phillips, Kyle Phillips and Scottie Rivenbark.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00pm Sunday, April 1, 2012, prior the funeral service at Magnolia Baptist Church and other times at the Evan's home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be sent to Magnolia Baptist Church, PO Box 96, Magnolia, NC 28453.

Condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on our "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral Service: 4:00pm, Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Magnolia Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw.

Visitation: 2:00 to 4:00pm Sunday, April 1, 2012, prior the funeral service at Magnolia Baptist Church and other times at the Evanâ