Billy V Evans

Billy V. Evans, 88, long-time educator and retired Superintendent of the Maury County Schools, died Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Maury Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Jacob officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols and following services in the church atrium. Private family interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. Memorials may be made to the Maury County Retired Teachers' Scholarship Endowment, c/o Judy Howell, 1092 Rolling Fields Circle, Columbia 38401 or First United Methodist Church Mission Fund, 222 West 7th Street, Columbia 38401. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. Son of the late John William Evans and Margaret Ethel Butler Evans, he was born and educated in Roane County, Tennessee. He served his country during World War II as a U. S. Army Infantry officer in the Pacific Theatre of Operation, rising to the rank of Major. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the New Georgia campaign and the Purple Heart for wounds received during the Luzon campaign. At the conclusion of his military service, he attended the University of Tennessee, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in 1948 and obtaining a Master's Degree in 1956. Mr. Evans was active in the UT Alumni Association for many years. His career in education began in 1950 at Spring Hill High School where he taught Agriculture. From 1958 - 1979, he served as Business Manager for Maury County Schools. From 1979 -1985, he held the position of Superintendent. During his career with the Maury County School System, he coordinated the construction of 11 school buildings.Mr. Evans was an active member of the Columbia Rotary Club for 49 years. He served as President 1962 - 1963 and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as Treasurer and President of the Board of Directors of Kings' Daughters School. During his retirement years, he took leadership in the Tennessee Retired Teachers' Association and the state organization of the AARP.He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Columbia and taught the Ayres-Whitney Sunday School Class for a number of years. He previously held membership at Spring Hill United Methodist Church where he also taught Sunday School. He enjoyed travel, sports, gardening, and reading westerns. He gave generously of his time and leadership to community and church. Following diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease 11 years ago, he and his wife, Jean were active in the local Parkinson's Support Group and participated in Parkinson research at VA Hospital in Nashville, With her support, he was able to remain active, in spite of the effects of the disease. He "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." to use St. Paul's words from 2 Timothy 4:7. He was a great model of courage and endurance for his friends and family and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Jean Reid Evans; daughter, Rev. Mary Margaret Eckhardt and husband, Robert of Livonia, Michigan; son, John Reid Evans and wife, Kathleen of Clayton, North Carolina; granddaughters, Liesl Eckhardt of Royal Oak, Michigan, Gwen Eckhardt of San Francisco, California, and Rebecca Evans of Clayton, North Carolina; two brothers, Frank Evans and Mac (Pat) Evans of Harriman; a sister-in-law, Gloria Evans of Jacksonville, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Ann Evans and a brother, Leslie Oscar Evans. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Columbia Rotary Club, Maury County Retired Teachers', and Ayres-Whitney Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church.