Robert Earl Evans, of Shubuta, MS, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 3, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 28, 1939, in Shubuta, MS, to John Julian and Angie Auline Evans.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Margaret Evans; his two sons, Robert Scott (Lindsay) Evans and Brian Keith (Kristine) Evans; his six grandchildren, Anna Claire Evans, Alisa Katherine (Cook) Weathersby, Summer Marie Evans, Brianna Kristine Evans, Lennon Caroleann Evans, and Julian Asher Evans. He is also survived by his two siblings, John Harold (Barbara) Evans and Carol (Jerry) Townsend.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Nobles.
Robert Earl was seldom found sitting still. He loved working, helping people, and serving his community and the Lord. He loved traveling with his family and equally loved the challenge of fixing something that nobody else could fix.
On August 27th, 1961, he married the love of his life, Margaret McClinton Evans. From that day forward, she was his partner in every sense—sharing his dreams, working alongside him in every business, and building a life rooted in love and devotion. They were true partners who faced everything life brought them hand-in-hand. Robert Earl counted his marriage to Margaret as his greatest blessing.
He was a man of faith and family. Robert Earl was a member of DeSoto Baptist Church since 1963, where he was also a Deacon and Deacon Emeritus. He was a loving father and grandfather. He was a faithful friend to many.
In 1957, Robert Earl graduated from Quitman High School and went on to Mississippi State University, where he graduated in 1961 with a BS in Industrial Management. Upon graduating from college, he spent two years at Raleigh Corporation in Raleigh, MS, as Production Manager. He returned to Clarke County in 1963, due to the declining health of his father. He opened Evans Grocery country store in the Hale community of Clarke County in 1963 and ran it until selling it in 1984. He also installed rural water systems all over Mississippi during this time, from 1968-1976. In 1976, Robert Earl was elected to the Clarke County Board of Supervisors as Beat 2 Supervisor. He served three terms until 1988, when he and Beat 3 Supervisor Jerry Risher conceived and implemented the county-wide garbage pickup program. They also funded and built the Clarke County Multi-Purpose building that is still in use today. Upon leaving public service in 1988, he formed RE Evans Construction Co., building roads, bridges, and commercial foundations all over Mississippi. He ran that business until his retirement in 2023, at the age of 84. He was a long-time member of the Clarke County Farm Bureau, a long-time timber grower, and member of the Mississippi Forestry Association. He served 31 years on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Region V Housing Authority from 1992 – 2023, helping people in need acquire a place to live. He served for four years in the Mississippi Army National Guard.
Robert Earl Evans will be remembered as a hardworking and humble man—a leader, a mentor, and a family man whose love and example will continue to guide those who knew him. His legacy lives on in the company he created, the countless lives he touched, and the family who will carry his memory forward with pride and love.
Pallbearers will be Lance McNeal, Steve Glass, Bill Glass, Joe Daugherty, Joey Daugherty, and Paul Evans. Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Mercer, Jeffery Glass, Cliff LaBoone, and Bobby Fulcher.
The Evans family will receive guests on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Wright’s Funeral Home in Quitman, and on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, from 10 – 11 a.m. at DeSoto Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, at DeSoto Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Salem Methodist cemetery, in the Hale community. Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
