Funeral service for Billy Joe Evans, age 83, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home with Donnie Browning officiating. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM until 7 PM Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Higgins.
Billy Joe was born on November 23, 1940, in Lincoln County, at home in Mulberry. Growing up, Lynchburg was home. Mr. Evans was a 1958 graduate of Moore County High School and then attended MTSU on a football scholarship. At MTSU, he lettered all four years, was voted Most Valuable Lineman, served as team captain during his senior year, and played in two Tangerine (Citrus) Bowls. After graduation, Mr. Evans would start a lifelong career in coaching and education. Coach Evans started working at Moore County High School and later at Fayetteville Central High School as the football coach and an educator. In the age before playoffs, Coach Evans won seven championships in fourteen years of coaching. Later, Coach Evans became the first principal at Lincoln County High School. He was instrumental in the design, funding, and development of the consolidated LCHS. Mr. Evans played an integral role in building Falcon stadium. He rallied local businesses to offer support, and in essence, helped build what would become a key part of LCHS history. In 1988, Mr. Evans became the director of Fayetteville City Schools, where he would retire after 22 years of service. Billy Joe passed away on December 28, 2023, at HH Lincoln Health.
Mr. Evans attended First Baptist Church. He was a member of TSSAA Hall of Fame, Lincoln County Football Hall of Fame, Lincoln County High School Hall of Fame, Bank of Lincoln County Board of Directors, and served in leadership roles in countless other boards and organizations. Mr. Evans’ greatest achievement came on December 23,1961 when he married Gayle. Most of all Billy Joe loved spending time with his family. He could often be found cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events, or spending time with his family on the lake.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Gayle Lynch Evans; daughter, Karrie (Rusty) Pittenger; son, Lance (Mary) Evans; grandchildren, Caroline Pittenger (Justin) Gault, Evan (Madison) Pittenger, Cole Evans, Maclain Evans, and Grace Hughes; great-grandchildren, Abby Kate, Jack, and Annie Gault; nieces, Sue Cary, and Judy Pierce; great-nephew, Jason (Lana) Groce, Logan and Allie; and his special little buddy next door, three-year-old Carter (LJ) Terry. Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Collis Evans and Annie B McGee Evans; and sisters, Martha Evans, and Lucille Evans (Fred) Grammer.
Memorials may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334, the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or Friends of the Patrick, 1001 Huntsville Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Billy Joe Evans.
28 Comments To "Billy Joe Evans"
#1 Comment By Linda F. Williams On December 28, 2023 @ 4:30 pm
Billy Joe was a treasured friend of many years. He will be missed by all who knew him. I loved him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Gayle and his family.
#2 Comment By Gary & Brenda Badenhop On December 28, 2023 @ 6:10 pm
Gayle, Karrie, Lance and families, we are sorry for your loss of Billy Joe. You will be in our prayers in the days ahead. May you find comfort in all your loving memories with him.
#3 Comment By CAPTAIN SCOTT SHELTON On December 28, 2023 @ 6:13 pm
Ms Gayle, Lance, Karrie, Rusty, Evan,
I just heard the unfortunate news in Cape Town, South Africa.
My heart goes out to all.
Coach was the epidimy of the word leader.
I wish I could have played for him, however, age didn’t allow.
What a man, a true legend. He will never be forgotten. Unfortunately, I know what it’s like to loose a father.
Prayers, thoughts and best wishes go to you all.
Time will heal the pain of the loss, memories will last forever.
Very respectfully
#4 Comment By Ronnie and Eloise Hudgins On December 28, 2023 @ 6:18 pm
Gayle, Karrie, Evan and family. Please know that you all are in our prayers
#5 Comment By Mike Mcalister On December 28, 2023 @ 6:38 pm
So sorry to hear about Coach Evans. I know he will be dearly missed. Lots of good high school memories. Great coach, great family man.
#6 Comment By Lynn Brown On December 28, 2023 @ 6:55 pm
So sorry for layout loss prayers to the family
#7 Comment By Forrest L Keith On December 28, 2023 @ 7:29 pm
Mr Evans was my principal at LCHS in from 1983-1985. He was a friend and a good teacher.
#8 Comment By Jane Oddo On December 28, 2023 @ 11:45 pm
I am sorry to hear of his passing. I pray for comfort for his wife and those who loved him.
#9 Comment By Jimmy White On December 29, 2023 @ 7:53 am
Good man and friend. He was very very good for Lincoln Co.
#10 Comment By Chris Moyers On December 29, 2023 @ 9:44 am
I can not begin to say what a difference Coach Evans made in my life. I was on the team from 1969 through 1972. Coach taught me that you get out of life what you put in. He was always a leader and I don’t believe I ever heard him say anything derogatory about anything or anybody. I am not sure where I would have wound up in life without someone like Coach, that inspired me to dig deep and try to be at my best. I have had a good life and Coach played a major role in getting me started down the right path. I am so sorry for your loss but please know he was a difference maker in many a young man’s life.
#11 Comment By Jack and Sarah Raby On December 29, 2023 @ 9:58 am
We are so saddened by the death of Billy Joe. We cherish the treasured long time friendship and the many memories that have with him and the Evans family. We know the future without Billy Joe will be so hard so all of you will continually be in our prayers. We love each of you.
#12 Comment By jerry reese On December 29, 2023 @ 10:29 am
He was the first Head coach to field a mixed race football team for Lincoln County. We didn’t know what to expect from each other but we found many things in common and turned losing seasons into winning teams, We in a way were Lincoln County’s answer to the Titans . Prayers for the Family ! Great Man and Great Coach !
#13 Comment By Denise Lindsey Smith On December 29, 2023 @ 1:44 pm
we have many fond memories of Coach Evans from Central HS. he was a dear man. GOD be with his family during this difficult time.
#14 Comment By Dianne Wells Mcmahan On December 29, 2023 @ 3:01 pm
Mr. Evans was a coach and teacher when I was in high school 1969- 1972. All the boys even the ones that did not play sports loved and respected him. He was a great teacher and a prime example of what a man should be. Not to mention his many years of coaching winning teams.
#15 Comment By Rickey Honey On December 29, 2023 @ 3:11 pm
Out of town but prayers to the family
#16 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On December 29, 2023 @ 3:33 pm
Ms Gayle, Karrie, Lance & family, My sincere condolences to you during this sad time. Mr. Billy Joe was a wonderful leader, teacher and friend to so many. He touched so many lives. I’m grateful to have been able to know such a kind caring man. May God provide peace and comfort. Allow all your wonderful memories to help heal your hearts. You are in my prayers.
#17 Comment By Ritchie Sullivan On December 29, 2023 @ 5:43 pm
My first memory of Coach was when he was playing football and basketball for Lynchburg and my father Bully Sullivan was the coach. One of the highlights as a young boy was when Daddy would take me and my brothers to see him play at MTSU. He was my Hero then and I don’t think I could have picked a better one.I had the privilege to play for Coach my last 2 years in High School. My senior year was when he turned the program around and we started winning. Coach was mentor to me and many young men and women.Gayle,Karrie,Lance and the entire family know that I’m thinking of you and your in my prayers.
Billy Joe Evans left one hell of a legacy!!!
#18 Comment By Leigh Jackson On December 29, 2023 @ 9:29 pm
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Billy Joe. He was my mother’s cousin.
#19 Comment By Janice Carr On December 30, 2023 @ 12:09 am
Gayle and Family: So sorry for your loss of Billy Joe. Ralph and I had many fond memories of times with you two. He will be missed by many, and for his many contributions to our community.
#20 Comment By Alvin Palmer On December 30, 2023 @ 7:58 am
To the family of Coach Evans,
I had the extreme pleasure playing for Coach four years in high school and afterwards started my career teaching and coaching at the high school I had graduated from. From there we moved out to Lincoln Co HS and we had many great years with Coach as principal. It was not only a pleasure, but a honor to work with Coach Evans.
God Bless you family!
#21 Comment By Katherine Hobbs1005 w washington st. On December 30, 2023 @ 9:07 am
Gayle and family, Sorry to hear about your loss. May God comfort you you all.
#22 Comment By Cathy Hickerson On December 30, 2023 @ 10:55 am
Sending my deepest condolences to all his loved ones. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God be with you all through this heartbreaking times.
#23 Comment By Charles Thomison On December 30, 2023 @ 11:52 am
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Had the pleasure to play for coach from 1969-1971. He truly cared about the young men he coached.
#24 Comment By Lenace Hyde Lehnert On December 30, 2023 @ 7:14 pm
Thoughts and prayers for the Evans family. I always respected Mr. Evans as a leader and educator. Keep your memories close.
#25 Comment By Joel Troy On December 31, 2023 @ 8:25 am
In my lifetime, I have known only two men that I admired and respected as much as my own father. Coach Evans one one of those men. What a legacy he leaves behind! He touched the lives of so many kids and influenced them in a positive way as a coach and and as a role model. My deepest sympathy to Coach Evans’ family. The community has lost an icon.
#26 Comment By Sherrie Maddox On January 1, 2024 @ 10:02 pm
I admired Coach Evans. He could be soft and strong at the same time. His smile lit up every room. Lincoln County was fortunate to have his dedication and insight.
Sincerely, Sherrie Maddox
#27 Comment By James Bonner On February 3, 2024 @ 9:12 am
Goodbye, Coach.
#28 Comment By Jane V oddo On April 22, 2025 @ 1:00 pm
He was a good neighbor and was well liked by all. His wife was a blessing to all of our neighbors as well. They were surely a happy , well liked couple. I was sorry to hear of his passing.