Raymond Jerome Evans, Sr., 61, native and lifelong resident of Hastings, entered the sunset of life on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine. The son of Willie James and Hattie Mae (Dowling) Evans, Sr., he was born on Wednesday, October 7, 1953. He was a 1971 graduate of Hastings High School, and also attended Santa Fe College, Gainesville. In December 1995, Raymond united in matrimony to the former Linda Appling. He was the owner/operator of Ray J. and Sons Trucking, Inc. He was a faithful and dedicated Deacon at Pompey's Temple Church of God in Christ. Raymond was a philanthropist who found joy in supporting numerous private and public organizations, especially as a sponsor of Palatka High School's wrestling team. Raymond never met any strangers and loved to encourage people to improve their quality of life. Raymond's smile was contagious and he would engage in conversation for hours. He was most passionate about his grandchildren and his past-time was watching television. In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Willie James "Pete" Evans, Jr.; and sister, Patricia Evans. To cherish his memories, his loving wife of 19 years, Linda A. Evans, Hastings; children, Raymond (Shalena) Evans, Jr., Hastings; Justin Evans, Terre Haute, IN; Reginald Davis, Rory (Wytonvia) Hayward, Wilbert Evins, Jr., all of Palatka, Suzette Evins, Kendra Evins, Brandi Evins, all of Jacksonville; brothers, Ronald (Jequita) Evans, Sr., East Palatka; Gregory Evans, Palatka; Eugene Evans, Interlachen; Reginald Roberts, Jeffrey Stewart, Patrick Stewart, all of Hastings; sisters, Linda Goff, Gainesville; Bermodie (Mathew) Gilyard, Palm Coast; Cheryl (Anthony) Coleman, Cynthia Lewis, & Tangela Harris, all of Hastings; aunt, Minnie Lee McCall, Palatka; nine grandchildren, Kedrick, Ramiya, Aniya, Raymond III, Elizabeth, Wilbert III, Beautiful, Jordin, Empress, , and a host of other relatives, classmates and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, December 26, at Pompey's Temple Church of God in Christ, 611 Pompey Miller Street, Hastings. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, at The Lord's Temple City of Refuge, 140 Gilmore Street, Hastings, Bishop Thomas Cave, III, host Pastor. His pastor, Elder Randall Chestnut, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, San Mateo.