James Ellis Evans

Mr. James Ellis Evans, 85 of Orangeburg, SC died Monday, November 18, 2013 at The Oaks.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Orangeburg with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Orangeburg with Rev. Ken Hay.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Earley, Bobby Yongue, Alvin Lunsford, Randy Boland, Jimmy Smoak and Charles Evans.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Progress Masonic Lodge #356.

Born July 2, 1928 in Orangeburg, SC, Mr. Evans was the son of the late Julius Wesley Evans, Sr. and Claudine Champy Evans and lived most of his life in the Orangeburg area. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II before his career as an insurance adjuster and had an extensive knowledge of all things automotive. He was retired from Evans Claim Service. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, hunting and fishing. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Progress Masonic Lodge #356 and Omar Shrine Temple. He was predeceased by his wife Louise Hughes Evans, his parents, and his brother Julius Wesley Evans, Jr.

Survivors include his daughters Linda (David) Earley of Orangeburg, Susan (Louis) Utsey of Advance, NC, Janet Evans (Dr. Frank Brown) of Ft. Worth, TX, and a son Jim (Becky) Evans of Bowman. Grandchildren are Wayne (Debbie) Earley of Orangeburg, Karen (Bobby) Yongue of Livingston, Nathan (Tara) Brown of Ft. Worth, TX, and Melissa (Bruce) Rishel of Longmont, CO. Great grandchildren are Catherine Ann Earley, Alex (Rose) Yongue, Brian (Kelli) Yongue, Asa Rishel, Cyrus Rishel, Griffith Brown, and Savannah Brown. Great great grandchildren are Avari Yongue and Paxton Yongue. He is also survived by nephews J.W. Evans III and Charles Evans, sisters-in-law Evelyn Evans and Jane "Betty" Tenet, both of Orangeburg, and other extended family.

FRIENDS MAY CALL at the residence of Linda and David Earley, 454 Bozard Road, Orangeburg and at the funeral home.

VISITATION WILL BE HELD from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

MEMORIALS MAY BE MADE TO Grove Park Hospice, PO Box 701, Orangeburg, SC 29116, the Shriners' Children's Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4277, or a charity of one's choice.

The Evans Family acknowledges and gratefully appreciates exemplary care given to our family by The Oaks and Grove Park Hospice.