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William Earl Evans , 73, departed this life and went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 21, 2023 after a 4-year courageous battle with Lung Cancer.

William was born in Kingsport, TN, December 5, 1950 one of seven children of William and Julia Evans.  William attended Douglass School 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!!!!!

Services for Mr. Evans were held 10:00 am Friday, January 19, 2024 at Second Baptist Church Kingsport, Tennessee.

Burial Pierce Chapel AME Church Cemetery in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .