Mr. Bill J. Evans, age 89 of Gainesville, formerly of Ellijay, passed away on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at Manor Lake of Gainesville.

Mr. Evans was born on October 5th, 1933, in Gilmer County, to the late Truman Evans and Eunice Evans Bennett. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Evans; and sister, Debbie Bennett Orr.

From an early age, Bill loved to play pool and would challenge anyone to a game. He worked at the Ellijay Pool Room, and his pool playing just got better and better. He served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years and continued to compete in competitions with the other airmen. He became known as a pool shark and was eventually told he couldn't play in tournaments as no other airman ever got to win. Bill also loved playing golf and going fishing with his brothers and nephews. From their stories, we still aren't sure of who won or caught the most fish.

Bill loved serving in the Air Force, and following his retirement, he went to work for the Department of Defense Logistics where he was an instructor. He lived a life he was proud of, but he was most pleased to be a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church and of all his family members.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Clayton Williams Evans of Gainesville; daughter, Lynne Evans of Blue Ridge; grandson, Weston (Dyana) Davenport; great-grandson, Liam Davenport; three step-children, Rick (Michelle) Williams, Dee (Mark) Dettman, and Denise Tullis; three brothers, Jerry (Kay) Evans of Helen, Max (Glenda) Evans of Ellijay, and Harold (Ann) Evans of Ellijay; several step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 31st at 12:30 PM from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with speaker, nephew Mike Evans, Rev. Billy Dotson, and Rev. Jerry Banks officiating. Interment will follow in the Georgia National Cemetery at 2:30 PM, with full military rites, located at 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114. The Patriot Guard Riders will be leading the funeral procession.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 31st from 10:00 AM until the service hour of 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting food or donations may be made, in memory of Bill, to his favorite foundations: St. Jude Children Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation - In Memory of Mr. Bill Evans

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of arrangements.