"William Earl" was born in Kingsport, TN, December 5, 1950 one of seven children of
William and Julia Evans.
William attended the Douglass School through 9th grade, and after
integration he went to Dobyns Bennett High School.
He served in the United
States Army and later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from
East Tennessee State University.
In the 80’s William moved to Kansas City,
Missouri. He was very well known and respected. As a musical technician, there
was none greater. He served at various churches as the Minister of Music,
serving every domination from Baptist. AME, Presbyterian and Pentecostal.
Before his passing, he was the Music Director of ministry at Second Baptist
Church.
William worked as a Teacher in the Kansas City, Missouri school
district. He taught middle and high school choral and band classes. He retired
as an elementary music teacher. After his retirement, he became an Aquatics
Director for several Kansas City, Missouri community centers from which he
enjoyed a second retirement.
William was always unapologetically involved in
African centered justice organizations and activities. He studied relentlessly
and prided himself on knowing a lot about a lot. For several years he
faithfully gave of his time and financial support to the Black United Front,
with whom he traveled to Africa. He loved ASKACK, a black book club and any
organization that promoted youth of color. He took annual trips all over the
United States and various islands with family and friends.
William loved to
swim, read, play in jam sessions, travel and eat. He did it all from the top
of the line. No amount of money was too much for a good book, a new
instrument, a trip or a good
meal.
William was preceded in death by his
parents, two brothers, Ricky, Carl and one sister Kathy Evans.
To cherish his
memory, he leaves behind his wife, Cynthia Evans, 3 step children, Victorie
Kelley, Tondaling (Floyd) Thomas, Vonzell Kelley, Jr. and 6 grandchildren,
Darius Hollwell, Akila Hollwell, Vonzell Kelley III, Dajha Kelley, Nia
Abdullah, and Jalila Abdullah; one sister, Gail Evans-Harris (John),
Kingsport, TN, two brothers, Dale Evans(Marie), Norfolk, VA and John Evans,
Kingsport, TN, his Uncle Jack and Aunt Betsy Pierce, Kingsport, TN, as well as
a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a whole city of music loving family and
friends in both Kansas City and Kingsport, TN.
It was his faith, wisdom,
determination and fierce warrior spirit that those who knew him will miss the
most.
Vaya Con Dios William – translated: Go with God!!!!!
Visitation for William Earl Evans will be Friday, January 12, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN. The Celebration of Life Services will begin at 3 PM at the church. Interment will be in the Historic Pierce Chapel AME Church cemetery, 1810 Seaver Road, Kingsport (Sullivan Gardens), TN.
Care of the William Earl Evans family has been entrusted to Clark Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, Kingsport, TN.
