huey clinton evans
1949-2023
Life Story
Early Life & Family
Huey Clinton Evans was born on August 20, 1949, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Huey Evans (1922–1993) and Virginia Dare Whitehead Evans (1924–2004). He was the third of six children born to this union. Huey grew up in a close-knit rural community where family, faith, and service shaped his character from an early age.
Education & Youth Activities
While attending Pilate High School, Huey entered the workforce early as a school bus driver, balancing responsibility with education. During his youth, he was actively involved in 4-H Club activities, as reflected in multiple newspaper accounts documenting his participation and leadership in district and county competitions. These experiences fostered discipline, teamwork, and community pride—traits that would define his adult life.
After graduating from Pilate High School, Huey continued his education at Alcorn State University, further broadening his personal and professional foundation.
Employment & Work Life
Following his education, Huey Evans began a long and steady career with La-Z-Boy, where he was employed for approximately forty years. His work ethic and reliability were well known, and his career reflected the same commitment he showed in every area of his life. His early experience as a bus driver and his long-term industrial employment placed him among the many Newton County residents who balanced labor with deep community involvement.
Faith & Church Service
At an early age, Huey dedicated his life to Christ and became a member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. He remained a faithful and active member throughout his life, serving in numerous roles that reflected both his spiritual devotion and musical gifts.
Huey served Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church as:
- Musician (guitar and drums)
- Lead singer
- President of the choir
- President of the Male Chorus
He was also a member of the gospel quartet The Harmoniers of Newton, Mississippi, extending his ministry beyond the church walls through music.
Marriage & Family Life
Huey was married twice. His first marriage was to Cindy Billingsley (1951–?), from which two children were born:
- Tawny Nichole Evans
- Jeffery Evans
He later married Annie Lee Sims (1952–?), the love of his life. Their marriage endured for 46 years, and from this union two additional children were born:
- Tory Evans
- Tarrus Evans
Huey was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued time spent with family above all else.
Later Years & Community Life
After retiring from La-Z-Boy, Huey devoted much of his time to family, gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking, and sharing his faith. With the encouragement and help of friends and relatives, he became widely known for growing exceptionally large watermelons—earning recognition in local news as the producer of “Newton’s Finest Watermelons.”
Death & Legacy
Huey Clinton Evans transitioned from this life on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Herman Evans, and his niece Jessica Cager.
He leaves to cherish his memory:
- His wife, Annie Lee Evans
- Sons: Jeffrey Evans (Newton, MS), Tory Evans (Elmira, Hattiesburg, MS), Tarrus Evans (Lawrence, MS)
- Daughter: Tawny Evans McCleon (Decatur, MS)
- Brothers: Julius Evans (New Orleans, LA), Dwayne Evans (Newton, MS)
- Sisters: Minister Bobby Price (Newton, MS), Wortly Cager (Levelle) (Union, MS)
- Grandchildren: Corey Evans, Evan Hampton, Talyiah Wiley, Nazaret Evans, Ta’Nyla Evans, Taylor Evans, Tavaris Evans, and Morgan Evans
- Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Huey Clinton Evans is laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, hard work, and community service that continues to resonate throughout Newton County.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Wed, Dec 14, 1966 ·Page 4
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- The Newton Record, Huey Evans, Ebenezer Packing, Wed, Feb 23, 1994 ·Page 28
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