Arthur Myrle Evans' Obituary
Arthur “Art” Myrle Evans, 85, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023. Art was born in Miccosukee, FL on October 26, 1937. He was also 1 of 14 children, including his twin sister.
Arthur is preceded in death by his parents, 11 of his siblings and his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Ann Evans.
In 1954, Art enlisted in the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Firedrake and the USS Albany during the Vietnam War. He received the following during his service: National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendations and 4 Good Conduct Awards. He retired from the Navy on December 13, 1973, as Boilerman Technician Chief Petty Officer. He was very proud of his service to our country, and you could tell when he wore his naval hats almost every day.
After retiring from the Navy, Art began a 2nd career at Tampa Electric Company as a Watch Engineer. He worked for nearly 20 years at both Gannon Power Station and Big Bend Power Plant during his tenure at TECO. While working, Art earned his Associate of Science degree at Hillsborough Community College in Pre-Police Science & Administration in 1978. He then became an Auxiliary Deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office for several years.
He retired from TECO in 1992 and headed to Pelham, Georgia to enjoy his well-deserved retirement, to live the quiet, country life, away from the big city. He loved to go fishing, wherever and whenever possible. There was not a lake or pond around his home that he did not drown a worm or two in! Art loved to cook. He was an excellent cook, especially on the grill. He did lots of things to keep himself busy in the small town of Pelham. He did some volunteer work in the community, helping others who were less fortunate.
Country music was his ultimate favorite kind of music! He listened to it all the time and when he was not listening to it, he was singing it. Some of his favorite artists include Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Don Williams just to name a few.
Arthur’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. Whether the visits were in Georgia or during his many, many trips to Florida. Being with his family meant the world to him.
He is survived by his sisters, Gwen Maloy and Wilma Wells; his children, Merle “Butch” Evans (Kathy), Mark Evans, Terri Evans, Michael Evans, Gary Melchin and Cindy Adkins (Michael). His grandchildren, April Evans, David Evans, Michael Evans Jr., Dakota Evans, Cody Page, Montana Monteith, Mitchel Adkins and Madison French. As well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.
Arthur always cherished the many friendships and relationships he made throughout his lifetime. He was a firm believer in that family is not always blood, it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 11005 N US Hwy 301, Thonotosassa, FL, 33592.
Graveside Service with Military Honors will be on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 3:00pm, at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 N US Hwy 301, Thonotosassa, FL 3359.
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