Ernest Bryant Evans

Ernest Bryant Evans, 88, of Rockingham, passed away Monday, November 9, 2015 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Ernest was born September 26, 1927 in Darlington, SC, a son of the late John Jefferson and Ruth Derrick Evans. He had served his country for eight years in the US Navy, the last few in the submarine service of the USS Sea Leopard of which he was most proud. Ernest was a member of First Baptist Church in Rockingham and the Rockingham Masonic Lodge, #495, A.F. & A.M.. He had retired from the Bell System with almost 40 years service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Surviving are his wife of almost 63 years, Betty Smith Evans of the home; son, E. B. Evans, Jr. of Wrightsville Beach, NC; daughters, Wanda E. Glitz (Robert) of Des Plaines, IL, Kay E. Stewart (Charles) of Wingate, NC; granddaughters, Amanda Evans of Statesboro, GA, Elizabeth Kiikka (Daniel) of Helsinki, Finland, Lt. Caitlin Valle (Gabriel) of Ft. Bragg, Lt. Amberly Weber (Christopher) of Afghanistan, Natalie Glitz of Des Plaines, IL, Dr. Courtney Auman (Scott) of Cape Carteret, NC, RaeAnn Melton of Wingate, NC; great grandchildren, Kemper, Kennedy and Landon Auman, Caroline Melton; brother, J. D. Evans (Jewell) of Rockingham and sisters, Dorothy Smith of Rockingham, Priscilla Simmons (Ronnie) of Sutherland, VA and Evelyn Campbell of Low Gap, NC. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2 pm Thursday at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Bear Branch Cemtery. The family will see friends from 12:45 to 1:45 pm Thursday at the church and at other times at the home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 201 N. Randolph St., Rockingham, NC 28379.