Mr. Willie “Bill” Evans was born on April 10, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Levy Evans and Alice Merideth. He was raised in the LaVilla communities of Jacksonville.

Bill proudly served in the United States Armed Services and later worked as a merchant seaman. He retired from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits after 35 years of dedicated service.

At an early age, Bill accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He joined Bethel Baptist Church of St. Nicholas and later moved his membership to Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend William C. Barker. Bill became one of the founding members of King Solomon United Baptist Church, also under the leadership of Reverend William C. Barker. He was a faithful and dedicated member, serving on the Trustee Board until his health began to decline.

Bill was also a founding member of the LaVilla Sportsman Club. His life exemplified his love for God and his love for his neighbor. He never met a stranger and was known for sharing kindness, warmth, and generosity wherever he went. Above all, Bill deeply loved and cherished his family.

In April 10, 1987, Bill married his loving, caring, and devoted wife, Cornelius (Connie) Evans. Together, they shared more than 40 years of love, companionship, and cherished memories.

On September 3, 2026, Bill peacefully closed his eyes and entered eternal rest with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents: Levy Evans and Alice Cole; his brothers, Horace Merdith, Alfred Cole, and Lorenzo Cole; his daughters, Lachelle Bowens and Michelle Freeman.

Bill leaves to cherish his precious memory: his devoted wife, Cornelius (Connie) Evans; his son, Gary Evans (Deborah); his daughters, Latonya Freeman and Debrina Freeman; his grandchildren, Cedrick (Ashley) Evans, Jarrod Evans, Ja’Corey (Maurice) Ford, Kiara Bowens, Darian Blakely, Chantel Bowens, Raytonya Freeman, Devondre Freeman, Malik Berryhill, Za’Kiya McCalister, D’kitsha Freeman, and Jadon Fyffe; his great-grandchildren; his brother, Bernard Cole; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and loved ones.

He will be especially remembered by his close friends, Alvin Martin and Rueben Brown, along with the many sorrowing friends whose lives he touched.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the love, kindness, wisdom, and memories he shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Rest peacefully, Mr. Bill. Your work on earth is done, and your eternal rest has begun.

Mr. Evans may be viewed on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Carthage Chapel from 4:00 p.m. Until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, at King Solomon United Baptist Church, 2240 Forest Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204 and the interment will be in Edgewood Cemetery.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204