Billy Ray Evans

FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at the First Baptist Church.

BURIAL: Baggett Cemetery in Comanche County.

VISITATION: Family will receive friends at Comanche Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, December 12.

LUNCH: Lunch for the family will be at First Baptist Church in Comanche prior to the funeral services.

MEMORIALS: In Lieu of flowers please send memorials to The Gideons International, Comanche/Hamilton Camp, P.O. Box 742, Comanche, Texas 76442.

Billy Ray Evans was born in Dublin, Texas on January 24, 1944 to R.W. and Lou Evans. He began his life and primary education in Proctor, and continued in Odessa when they moved during the 1950’s. Upon returning to Comanche, Billy Ray attended Comanche High School, where he graduated in 1962. Following his graduation, he attended Texas Tech University and met Doylene Rockwell. While he never received a degree, he received the love of his life on July 3, 1965. In 1966, the couple moved back to Weatherford to work for D. Rockwell. After their son, Bill, was born in August 1967, they returned to Comanche County. The couple began to farm peanuts and make Proctor their forever home. Billy and Doylene ran the De Leon Peanut Drying Station at Proctor, as well as managed Evans Farm Supply. In 1980, they built their first dairy barn in Proctor. Ann Rockwell Evans was born on February 10, 1981. The couple continued their dairy business until 2004. During this time, the Evans family found a new passion in registered Black Angus. They began to grow their herd in preparation of a new era. Billy Ray and Doylene worked tirelessly to make their dreams a success, and achieved those dreams through their incredible work ethic and moral compass. The pair were blessed with three grandchildren: Will. Angie and Ali. However, their many years in Comanche were filled with much more than tractors and cows. Billy Ray first began to serve his community as a member of the Comanche School Board during the 1970’s. He also served as a member and officer of the Comanche County Young Farmer Association and The North Leon River Irrigation Corporation. He also devoted his time and health to the Comanche County Livestock Association as swine and beef superintendent. Billy also stayed active in the Proctor Community his entire adult life. In 1992, Billy Ray was awarded Conservation Farmer of the Year. He received an Honorary Chapter Degree from the Comanche FFA. Billy served on the Comanche Appraisal District for 32 years. He was presented multiple awards by the Proctor Volunteer Fire Department for his unwavering support. Billy was a member of the Dublin Investment Club. However, his greatest love was the Lord! He served as a deacon and bible study teacher at Proctor Baptist Church. Billy Ray and Doylene jointed the Gideon’s International during 1988. Billy Ray served the Gideon’s for 28 years, in positions of Chaplain, Treasurer, Vice President, President, Area and Zone directors, State Faithful Coordinator, and West Texas Regional Program Leader for Church Ministry. Billy traveled to India, Abu Daubi, and Kenya on international scripture blitzes. He attended multiple national blitzes and international conventions through the country. Billy Ray continually inspired others and made lifelong friends from around the word through his devotion and love for the Gideon Ministry. Billy Ray, Doylene, and Angie joined First Baptist Church Comanche later in life, where they found incomparable friendship and love. Billy Ray served the Lord with excitement and gladness through his life, and continues to inspire us all. Billy Ray Evans went home to the Lord on December 9th, 2016. “For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.” ~ 1st Corinthians 15:3-4

He is survived by his wife, Doylene Evans of Proctor; son, Dr. Bill Evans and wife, Nanette of Stephenville; daughter, Ann Evans of Proctor; three grandchildren, Angelicia Kay Evans, William Rockwell Evans, Aliana Marie Evans; one sibling, Doris Evans Pairish and husband Harold of Brownwood; and one niece, Mandi Lynn Pairish. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. and Lou (Jones) Evans.