Paul Franklin Evans

Paul Franklin Evans died peacefully at home on March 28. He was 97.  Paul Franklin Evans, Jr. was born in 1928 to Imo Lou and Paul Franklin Evans, Sr.  Growing up on the family farm, Oakdale, he took an early interest in agriculture.  He raised and sold cattle as a business from early adulthood until recent years.

Paul graduated from Arcadia High School and was a lifelong member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church. At 16, he left for Duke University where he received his bachelor's degree.  He began graduate studies the following year but paused to volunteer for the U.S. Navy Reserve.  Lt. Evans served for four years on active duty in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.  After leaving the Navy and while home-ported in Norfolk, VA, Paul met Isabelle White through mutual friends. They married on a snowy New Year’s Eve the year they met.

Paul was employed for 30 years as an engineer with Western Electric (later known as AT&T Technologies).  For several years after retirement he co-owned an antique shop in Nags Head, NC with Isabelle and their daughter Marie.

He possessed great talent in gardening, always experimenting with new and heirloom seed varieties and techniques and had a reputation for growing outstanding tomatoes.  He liked to cook and happily took over the family kitchen when he retired.  Paul was also a bee keeper and enjoyed woodworking. He approached all these endeavors with calm confidence, precision and a generous spirit.

Paul was predeceased by his wife Isabelle, sisters Faye and Dorothy, sons-in-law Barry and Pete.  He is survived by daughters Cynthia, Marie and Elizabeth (Jon) and  three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on April 18 at 3:00pm at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 1082 Community Rd., Lexington, NC.