Ricky H. Evans, Jr.

Today we pause to pay tribute to a loving and kind husband, a father who was his family’s superhero and protector, and the family’s favorite Marine. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, our Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to give Ricky Houston Evans Jr. eternal rest, calling him from labor to reward. Ricky fought a good fight. He finished his course. He kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7. Born in Latta, SC on November 18, 1960, Ricky was the son of Houston Evans Sr, and the late Odessa Bethea McCrae. 

Ricky was a proud 1980 graduate of South Florence High School. He enjoyed playing football as a South Florence Bruin. As a teenager, he was also employed part-time at the Florence Morning News. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed at Camp Lejune in North Carolina. During his tenure in the US Marine Corps, he earned the rank of Lance Corporal LCpl. and completed a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Ricky received the Humanitarian Service Medal, Rifle Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and The US Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal all while working as a Combat Engineer. He was honorably discharged and became a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps after faithfully serving 8 years. 

Ricky married the love of his life, Sheila Gloria Jean Samuel, on April 10, 1982. To their loving union, three children were born; Rickey Houston Evans 3rd., Sherica Evans and Shawnyetta Evans. Ricky was multi-talented and enjoyed working with his hands. He was a professional welder and worked for many years at SteelFab Company in Florence SC and Southeastern Steel Company in Florence SC. After relocating to Charlotte NC, Ricky was a security officer for a film production company. Ricky’s hobbies included fishing, playing with the family dog BLuu, working in the garden, watching wrestling, building, and creating metal and wood crafts, initiating political and biblical discussions and going to the firing range with his son Rickey. 

Ricky was a risk taker and often reaped the benefits of his risks. Ricky also loved to cook and was known throughout the family for his famous chicken and dumpling, (Shelia’s favorite), his delicious collard greens (Shawnyetta’s favorite), and his mouth watering roasted duck and stewed duck (Qwana’s favorite). Ricky could also bake delicious desserts and candies (peanut butter cookies and peanut brittle, Sherica’s favorite). Ricky loved his family and never met a stranger. His humor and contagious smile were his trademark. Ricky was kind and generous and was the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was known to many as, “Big Rick.” He loved big trucks and The Dallas Cowboys Football Team. Early in life, he joined Tower of Prayer Apostolic Church, Florence, SC under the Leadership of Bishop Philip R Glenn. Later he became a member of End Time Outpouring Apostolic Church, Florence, SC under the leadership of Apostle James Brockington. After relocating to Charlotte, NC, he continued his spiritual journey at Wings of Love Outreach Church, under the leadership of Pastor Raymond Foxe Sr and Bishop J. Hamilton. Before his health and mobility declined, Brother Ricky was a faithful and generous supporter of the ministry and served in transportation and security. Ricky will truly be missed. 

Ricky was preceded in death by his mother Odessa Bethea McCrea, two brothers: Ronald Evans, Stevie Robert Evans, a sister Patricia Evans, an uncle Legrant Bethea, nephews: Daniel Steven Evans, Trashawn Jeremiah Watkin, and a special Aunt Mae Hazel Bethea and in-Laws: Deacon James and Mother Ethel Lee Samuel, sister-in-law Ester Patricia Glenn, and a special niece Voleata Foxe. 

Left to cherish fond memories and continue his legacy of faith and love of family are: wife Sheila Gloria Jean Samuel Evans and daughter Sherica Evans Traore, of Charlotte, NC, son Rickey (Jamie) Evans and Shawnyetta (Francos) Commander of Florence, SC, 6 grandchildren: Skylah Evans, Nicholas Evans, Kierston Evans, Tyler Commander, twins Hannah and Hunter Commander, all of Florence South Carolina, father Houston Evans Sr. of Wilmington Delaware, sisters: Katherine Evans, Terry Evans, Robin Evans, of Raleigh NC, Candice Evans of Fayetteville NC, and brother Micheal (Michelle Hunt) Evans of Fayetteville NC, uncle Effers (Buddy) Bethea Jr. of Latta SC, in laws: Shirley (Raymond) Foxe, Sr. and Lorraine (Jeremiah) Graves of Charlotte NC, Phillip R. Glenn of Florence SC, stepmother in law Cora Henry Samuel of Covington, Georgia, 3 step siblings, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, extended family, and friends.

Please keep the family of Ricky Houston Evans, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.