Bruce Charles Evans

Bruce Charles Evans, 79, loving husband, father, educator, football coach and proud Marine Corps veteran, passed away peacefully before dawn on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at his home in Winterville, Georgia. 
Born December 29, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, to Harry H. Evans, Jr. and Amelia Raith, Bruce was the youngest of four children. He grew up in Penndel, PA and attended nearby Neshaminy High School, where he was a two-sport letterman in football and wrestling and received the “Mr. Back” award his senior year in football. His father gave him the nickname “Dollar” in hopes that his charismatic and athletic son would bring something big down the road to his blue collar, working class family.
Bruce pursued his education and played football at William & Mary College, then Taft Junior College and finally San Fernando Valley State College in California, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. In his final football season at San Fernando Valley State, Bruce was named a First Team defensive back in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. During that year, he began his coaching career as a community coach for St. Genevieve Catholic School in Panorama City, CA.  
Bruce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1967 and attended Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA where he graduated as a First Lieutenant.  After completing his post-OCS training, he was deployed and led a deep reconnaissance unit in Vietnam. He demonstrated courage and valor in service to his country and was awarded The Purple Heart after being wounded during his tour of duty. Bruce returned to the United States to finish his commitment to the USMC and played one season of football for the Quantico Marines football team. 
After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Bruce enrolled at New Mexico State University and earned a Master’s in Education, and continued his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the NMSU Lobos football team. 
Bruce was a passionate teacher and coach for over 40 years at high schools in California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Georgia. In addition to his impactful career, Bruce was a loving husband and dedicated father. He was a true "warrior" in all parts of his life and has left behind cherished memories. He will always be remembered for his generosity, kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor. 
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Amelia Evans, and his two sisters, Jerrie and Gayle, and his brother Skip Evans.
Bruce is survived by his wife Pamela Evans; his son Robert Evans and daughter-in-law Stephanie; their four children: Elizabeth, Alexandria, Robby and Kilian; daughter Tarah Cords and son-in-law Doug; their three children: Lilianne, Lucas and Bennett; daughter Auburn Evans and her three children: William, Molly and Jack; daughter Theresa Tiffin and son-in-law Matt; their daughter Mila; son Mark Evans and daughter-in-law Angeline; their two children, Celia and Harrison; daughter Savannah Evans; son Beau Evans and his fiancée, Elise Parziale. 
Bruce's legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched and the lessons he has imparted. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Catholic Center at the University of Georgia at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the mass at Clark Cemetery in Lexington.
The family will receive friends for the vigil on Wednesday, April 3 at Lord and Stephens, East Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Athens Area Humane Society at athenshumanesociety.org, to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org, or to any Catholic church for memorial masses to be said for Bruce's eternal rest.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements.  www.lordandstephens.com