Deacon Earl McDuffie Evans, 86, of 5651 Walkerville Road, Patterson, passed away early Tuesday morning, Jan. 10, 2017, at his residence with his loved ones at his bedside.

He was born February 16, 1930 to the late Robert and Lillie Mae Lowder Evans. At the age of two years old, his father died and his mother moved to Philadelphia, PA, to help support her family. The late Ivey and Sarah Travis Lowder helped raise him and did so in the Holiness faith and taught him as he was growing up the importance of self respect.

He began his education in Pierce County and later served his country in the Korean War. After serving in the war, he was employed by Wilson Construction until he retired.

“We honor this great man of God. A man after God’s own heart, one considered as the modern age King David!  If he did not know anything else he knew the Word of God. When he began to live the life God wanted him to live, he wanted no soul to be left behind. He was a deacon for over 60 years and held many offices during his church life. He lived life to the fullness with great abundance living it to the extreme,” said his family.

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?  I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.  I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.” Psalm 116:12-14

At the early age of 21, he was united in holy matrimony to Ruth Mae Campbell who preceded him in death. He later met and married Helen Davis of Patterson, who he leaves to cherish his memories. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lizzie Walker; a daughter, Dina Evans and a god sister; Melissa Howard.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Harriet Ellison, Patterson, Patricia Miller, Spring Lake, NC, Earl C Evans (Beulah), Blackshear, Pamela Evans Foster, Cheryl Williams and Tamara Coney all of Patterson; step-children, James Palmer (Diane), and Belinda Phelps, Jacksonville, FL., Brenda Beasley, Dallas;  a god brother, Dan Holloman (Flora); a nephew, Johnny Myers; a great-grandchild Auree Davis whom he raised in love and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends are being received at the residence of his wife, Helen Evans, 4052 Son Thomas Road, Patterson and at 5651 Walkerville Road, Patterson.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 from God’s House Church, Main St. Patterson. Pastor Jackie Welch will bring words of comfort.

Interment will follow in the Ridge Cemetery.