TSgt (E-6) Wilbert James "Sarge" Evins, Sr., 89, (USAF, Retired), of Palatka, answered his Heavenly Father's call on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at his daughter's residence in St. Augustine, FL, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Citra, FL, he was the son of Willard B. and Susanna (Brown) Evins, Sr., born on Saturday, June 3, 1933.  He attended Hawthorne Junior High School in Citra until 9th grade.  At the age of 16, he left home for Buffalo, New York.  At the age of 19, he enlisted into the United States Air Force, excelled on enlistment testing requirements and earned his high school equivalency diploma. From September 26, 1952, Wilbert honorably served our nation in the USAF as a military policeman, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant.  Over the course of nearly 22 years, he earned numerous decorations including, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Service Award, Special Operations Squadron until he earned an honorable discharge with retirement on May 31, 1974.  He enjoyed speaking of his travels and adventures during his Air Force career, often bragging about visiting every single continent on earth. He attended Texarkana College in Texarkana, Texas where he completed typing and English courses.

Following retirement, he moved to Palatka.  He became a civil service employee at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, serving from 1975 to 1995 as a Supervisory Police Officer where he attained the rank of Lieutenant.  He subsequently worked as an Armored Truck Driver with Loomis Fargo for over 10 years and numerous other local security positions, Putnam Community Medical Center.  Wilbert was so committed until he never truly intended to retire. He was a dedicated father to his children, always providing encouragement, advice, or simply a shoulder to cry on.  He was devoted to God through his church and formerly served at Bethel A.M.E. Church.  On March 28, 2010, he became an active member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, where he was an ordained Deacon, Church Trustee, Men's Ministry, Senior's Ministry, Paul's Army (Church Security Ministry.  He faithfully participated in prayer meetings and Bible Study classes and had Trustee Emeritus status bestowed upon him.  He was an avid gardener, loved watching old westerns, listening to music, and holding conversations with family and friends.  He was well-known for his kind-hearted and generous spirit.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his sister, Pearlie Mae Evins; brothers, Willard Evins, Jr. and Ezekiel Evans; son, Rory Hayward; granddaughter, Benita Evins.

Those who cherish his memories: sons and daughters :  Aubrey (Maxine) Evins, Sr., Victor Evins, Valerie Evins, Roy Kidd, Reginald Davis, Suzette (Terrence) Johnson, Kendra Evins, Brandi (Odayne) Clarke, and Wilbert James Evins, Jr; sisters: Queen Ester Polite, Marie Dixon Jones, Willie Mae Gibson, and Susie Givens; 28 grandchildren ; 9 great-grandchildren ; godson , Robert Earl Shelton; and numerous nieces, and nephews; cousins, church family, former colleagues and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, September 16 at Mt. Tabor. Celebration of Sarge's Life with military honors will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 17 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Senior Pastor is the eulogist. Interment will be Monday, September 19 in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.