Obituary: Willis Samuel "Sammy" Evans

Willis Samuel Evans, known to everyone simply as "Sammy," entered his heavenly home on August 6, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 21, 1946, Sammy grew up with modest means as the second of five children. He attended school at Oak Bowery and Ellisville High School before moving to Houston, Texas, where he graduated from engineering school.

On February 22, 1974, Sammy married the love of his life, Brenda. Together, they shared 52 glorious years of marriage. Through every battle with health and life, they stood as true, godly examples of what a marriage should be. They were blessed with a beautiful family and built a life centered on faith and love.

Sammy was a man who believed in hard work with his hands and his mind. Alongside his close friend, A.B. Holcomb, Sammy built his family’s forever home in Ellisville with his own bare hands. That house became the staple home for the family, anchoring decades of birthdays, Easter, and Christmas gatherings. Sammy lived to cook for his family, whether he was mastering the grill, fixing his famous cornbread, or making his special dumplings. He cherished family above all else and simply loved for everyone to be together.

For many years, Sammy shared his love for sports by playing baseball and coaching youth teams. His professional life reflected his dedication and sharp intellect. In his early years, he worked as an expert cased-hole engineer for Dresser Atlas and CRC Wireline, and later managed Gearhart Wireline Services. He also drove for Amerada Hess before settling into a long career at Sanderson Farms, Inc., where he retired as the Corporate Transportation Supervisor. Because work was all he knew, retirement couldn't keep him still; he went on to drive a bus for the Jones County School District at South Jones.

Sammy was preceded in death by his father, Willis Clifton Evans; his mother, Loyce Hollingsworth Evans; his brother, Larry Evans; and his sister-in-law, Charlene Evans.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda Evans; his three children, Jamey (Jennifer) Evans, Marlana (Chad) Walters, and Mike (Diann) Evans; eight grandchildren, Nataley (Blake) Gordon, Madelyn Evans, Brooklyn Evans, Lexi Walters, Emily Walters, Austin Walters, Justin (Brittany) Evans, and Katie (Nathan) Allgaiers; and one great-grandchild, Stetson Gordon. He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Ann) Evans; his sisters, Cathy (Raymond) Bass and Candie (Robert) Wansley; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Asbury Hospice House and their nurses for providing exceptional, compassionate care during Sammy's final days.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM. A burial service will follow immediately at Ellisville Cemetery. Sammy’s brother, Joe Evans, will officiate the service.

Pallbearers: Jamey Evans, Chad Walters, Austin Walters, Dusty Evans, Destin Pryor, and Blake Gordon.

Honorary Pallbearer: Chris Smith.