Curtis Ray Evans

   Curtis Ray Evans, 88, of Edenton, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, in his home where he was being cared for by family.

   Mr. Evans was born in Wilson County on September 1, 1936, and was the son of Sarah Jane Evans. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Barnes (James).

   A retired supervisor from Carolina Telephone Company, he later worked and retired as a sheriff’s deputy from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. He was a faithful member of Cornerstone Global Methodist Church and was an Air Force veteran.

   Most importantly, he loved God, his wife, his children and his family. He leaves behind a magnificent legacy of unwavering love, shaped by his unrelenting devotion to his wife and the countless ways he inspired his children and grandchildren to live life with kindness, compassion, and joy. A devout Christian man, he exemplified the true meaning of faith through his private devotions, selfless love, and unshakable commitment to being there for anyone in need. He had a love for the outdoors, often taking his family on camping adventures and road trips, or simply spending quality time working in the yard, and playing outside with three generations worth of kids. His love for card games is the stuff of legend, with every generation cherishing countless memories of gathering around the card table for hours on end, reveling in game after game after game. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and by all who enjoyed a trash-free ride down Soundside Road. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we remain thankful for the many precious years we shared with him, and we take comfort in the knowledge that we will all be reunited again.

   Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Nancy Legare Evans; his son, David Ray Evans (Theresa) of Fayetteville; his daughter, Alice Kay Swanson (Douglas) of Edenton; five grandchildren, Dr. Joshua Evans (Lauren), Katie Marie Evans (Dan), Douglas Haywood Swanson III (Kayla), Cooper Ray Swanson (Danielle), and MaryAlice Leah Swanson; five great-grandchildren, Cynthia Rae Swanson, Dillon Swanson, Judah Evans, Micah Withers, and Eden Nancy Evans; and other extended family members.

   Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in Cornerstone Global Methodist Church, and will be conducted his pastor, the Rev. Wesley Daniels. Burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and other times at the residence.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.