Gregory Vernon Evans, 69, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, Gainesville. The son of Willie James Evans, Sr. and Hattie Mae (Dowling) Evans, he was born on Sunday, December 5, 1954 in Hastings. He was educated in the St. Johns County School District and a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School. During his high school years, Greg was an outstanding football player and was noted as one of the best to ever come out of Hastings. He earned scholarships to several colleges, including Bethune-Cookman College. Greg was an agricultural worker with several contractors. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and playing football.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his wife of 37 years, Deborah Evans; brothers, Raymond Evans, Sr., Willie James Evans, Jr.; sisters, Patricia Evans, Bermodie Evans-Gilyard; granddaughter, Treasure Evans.

He leaves to cherish his memories: sons, Gregory (Reshunda) Evans, Leesburg; Jeremiah (Sabrina) Gilyard, Chris Evans, Gregory Johnson, all of Palatka; Rashawn (LaShanda) Daniels, Gainesville; daughters,  Katrina Sweat, Palatka; Gregreatta Kinard, Espanola; Erica Johnson, Jacksonville; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brothers, Ronald (Jequita) Evans, Sr., Dunnellon; Eugene Evans, Interlachen; Reginald (Vicky) Roberts, Jeffrey (Lolita) Stewart, both of Palatka; Patrick (Cathy) Stewart, St. Augustine; sisters, Linda Evans-Goff, Marron, SC; Cheryl (Anthony) Coleman, Cynthia Lewis; Tangela (Roger) Harris, all of Hastings; brother-in-law, Matthew Gilyard, Palatka; sisters-in-law, Linda Evans, Dorothy Evans; devoted cousins, Florence Carter Chestnut, Joann Brown Simpson; special friends, Johnny Kemp, Sr., Kenneth Smith; and host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, April 19 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Celebration of Greg's Life will be 3 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at The Lord's Temple City of Refuge, 140 Gilmore Street, Hastings, Bishop Thomas Cave, III, Host Pastor. Pastor Randall L. Chestnut, Pompey's Temple Church of God in Christ, is the eulogist. Interment will follow in Oak Hill West Cemetery.