Gary Laine Evans passed away after a short illness on March 13th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 12th, 1948, Gary's life was a testament to his dynamic personality, caring nature, and natural ability to make everyone laugh. If you knew him, you loved him.

Gary's early education was at Allen School followed by Bradley Central High school. He worked at Magic Chef prior to dedicating his career to the healthcare sector. He initially served as an EMT and worked at Bradley Memorial Hospital. However, most know him for his 42-year career at Parkridge East Hospital, where he always greeted every person he passed in the hallway. He served multiple roles including Materials Management director and retired as the Facility Plant Operations Manager.

Gary was also a veteran who served in the Tennessee National Guard from 1967 to 1973. He was a member of the Alhambra Shriners, Charleston Masonic Lodge #484 F&AM, club member of the Opossum Shrine Club and the Red Fez, and former member of the Rossville Lion's Club.

Gary was a dedicated Christian who prayed every morning and served quietly, letting his actions in life be the sermon. He never met a stranger, whether it be in the grocery store checkout line or on the beach, and he knew how to support his friends and family, even in the most challenging times. His gift was making people feel truly loved through small and large gestures.

What people loved most about Gary, though, was watching him laugh until he cried, his smirky little grin, and the way you couldn't see his eyes when he smiled really big (which was often). He was a true instigator and loved a practical joke. His love language was not just acts of service or gifts, but also expressions of love through humor and playful ribbing of his family and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Lola and Emery "Edd" Evans; grandparents, Charles and Martha Houlk, and Lloyd Sr. and Louisa Evans; his sisters, Shirley Smith (Leonard) and Brenda Evans.

His memory will be held dear by his loving wife, Teresa Evans, son, Barry Evans (Jennifer), and brother, Jimmy Evans (Wanda). He will also be profoundly missed by his stepchildren: Brad Hufstetler (Sarah), Eric Hufstetler (Helen), and Katie Creighton (Mark); and his granddaughter whom he loved beyond measure, Brenley Evans. He will also be missed by his niece ("daughter"), Megan Antuna (AJ), nephew, Stacy Smith, and his nieces, nephews, and cousins including Candy Lawson, Alex Lawson (Ashley), Andrew Lawson (Jennae), Jaxson Antuna, and Lola Antuna.

Gary's quick-witted nature, brilliant spirit, and open ear will be missed beyond measure by so many, but he would want us to carry his legacy forward through kind gestures to strangers and support for those you love. His life was a manifestation of the ideal of 'love for others': as we go on, we can honor him by embodying this aspect of his character, brightening the lives of those around us.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 20th at 06:30 pm with visitation from 3:30-6:30 pm at North Cleveland Baptist Church (2815 N. Ocoee St. Cleveland, TN 37312).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:

- Shriner's Children's Hospital

- Salvation Army

- Habitat for Humanity