Wendell Lewis Evans, Sr., 81, of Eden passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Wendell was born July 1, 1942 in Carrollton, Georgia, to the late Emmett Lewis Evans and Georgie Eason Evans. He later moved to Warner Robbins, Georgia, where he graduated from Warner Robbins High School and was voted “most friendly” by his classmates. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy where he was voted by his classmates as the one they would most like to work with. Wendell was a recipient of the J.D. Wilson Fellowship in Atlanta.
He came to Eden in 1966 and began working for Mann Drug. He and his partner, Willie Shoemaker, opened Eden Drug sixteen years later in 1982. Wendell and Willie worked together for forty years. When Wendell and Willie retired, they left the business in the capable hands of their pharmacist and friend, Pete Crouch. He also served on the Rockingham County Board of Health.
Wendell was a member of Leaksville Moravian Church for many years and served in many positions in the church. Most recently, he was a member of Immanuel Friends Church of Draper.
He enjoyed playing tennis and dealing in real estate. Wendell was an avid Georgia Football and Duke Basketball fan. He was known for his friendly personality and silly jokes. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Wendell is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy K. Evans; children, Wendell L. Evans, Jr. (Lisa), Amy Evans Kropka (Jason); the mother of his children, Nancy Nesbitt Johnson of Tennessee; stepchildren, Bruce Parker, Abby Parker Stophel (E.C.); grandchildren, Caroline Kropka, Joshua Kropka, Nina Evans, Jay Parker (Dana), Lauren Parker, Katie Hopper, Georgia Stophel, Parker Stophel Banks (Tanner); great-grandchildren, Caleb Parker, Noah Houlton, Dylan Stallings, Brooke Parker, Natalie Houlton, Layken Hopper, Raylan Stophel, Gracelyn Stophel, Nola James Banks; sister-in-law, Ellen Evans of Warner Robbins, GA.
In addition to his parents, Wendell is preceded in death by his brother, Hugh Evans; sisters, Sandra Evans Gardner and Barbara Evans Wantland.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Immanuel Friends Church, 502 S Fieldcrest Rd, Eden, NC 27288, or Ancora Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice of Rockingham County) PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.
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