Ralph A. Evans

Ralph A. Evans, Sr., beloved husband of the late Edna J. Evans, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020, after a brief illness.He was the youngest son of the late Major Washington and Ollie Emma Dickerson Evans, and was born in Anderson, SC.He attended school in Greenwood, and was a member of the Greenwood High School Emerald Football Team, coached by legendary football coach, Pinky Babb.He received Best Blocker Award in 1949.He was also a member of the 1947 State Champion American Legion Baseball Team.Although he received numerous scholarships offers to play football from colleges such as the University of South Carolina and Clemson, he opted to play professional baseball.He was signed by the New York Yankees Organization, and played for their farm team in Rocky Mount, N.C.He played catcher and was also lead-off hitter which is certainly a rarity.It was there that he met his future wife, Edna, and they were married in February of 1953.At the time of her death in 2017, they were married for 64 years.He was the proud father of four children:Cynthia M. Evans, R.J. Evans, Jr., Tammy (Michael) Jordan, and Susie (Russell) Wilson. He had four grandsons:Kevin (Melanie) Miller, Todd Miller, Corey (Sidney) Wilson, and Tyler (Elizabeth, Fiancée) Wilson.He also had five great-grandchildren who will be joined by the sixth great-grandchild in August. Mr. Evans was employed by the State of South Carolina as a Highway Patrolman for 20 years, a driver’s license examiner and finally as Vehicle Services Administrator, and retired with over 32 years of service.He was awarded the Governor’s Award of Appreciation by Governor Carroll Campbell.He gave back to the community by coaching sports and being involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a scout master.He was fortunate enough to attend a World Boy Scout Jamboree and was awarded the Silver Beaver for his involvement.He was also named Scranton Man of the Year in 1963. Other than his family, his loves included fishing and playing cards with his buddies, gardening, golf, South Carolina Gamecocks Athletics, and America’s Team, the Atlanta Braves.Above all, he loved to laugh. He leaves behind to mourn his passing his family including one sister, Juanita, a host of friends and his faithful dog, Butch. The family would like to thank Stephanie and Almeka with Lighthouse Hospice for their care and support during his illness.You have become family to us.We would also like to thank the staff of Temples Halloran Funeral Home for their compassion and assistance during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of one’s choice. A Celebrate the Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.Interment will follow in Bush River Memorial Gardens.Chaplain Dave Tafaoa, will officiate. The family will greet friends from 2:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. SC Highway Patrol will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.