Dedication

Milford Evans

August 12, 1923 – July 26, 2020

AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN TO ALL AS "GRANNY"

Granny was born in Ethel, WV a daughter of the late Lonnie and Myrtle Phipps Spurlock.  A 1941 Graduate of Logan High School, she was married to the late Riley Evans.

She was the mother of Judy (late Mike) Raines and Riley Joe (Teresa) Evans.  She also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and 1 surviving brother, Carl Spurlock. 

She worked at Evans Funeral Home from the time of its incorporation in 1975 until her health failed her.

Riley Evans

Oct. 29, 1923 - Dec. 5, 1998

Affectionately known as "Papaw" by family and staff alike, Riley Evans was the father of Riley Joe, owner, and his sister, Judy.  Along with his wife Milford, Papaw was instrumental with the day-to-day operations of the funeral home when his son, Riley Joe, established it.  Riley could be seen almost daily at Evans Funeral Home after his retirement from the coal mining industry.  He helped with many activities necessary to daily operations until his health kept him from doing so. 

Odis Ratcliff

Jan. 30, 1918 - Jan. 15, 2014

Several years ago, a very special man came into the lives of the family of Evans Funeral Home. His name was Odis Ratcliff. He was a very special friend to Milford Evans, or as he called her, "Honey Granny". Everyone at Evans Funeral Home considered him as one of the finest men that we all had ever known.  

His impact on the staff and family cannot be overstated, as he always showed grace, love, and a true Christian attitude toward all.

Imogene Brewster

Dec. 27, 1930 - Aug. 4, 2003

Imogene was the wife of Paul Brewster and the mother of Teresa Evans.  She was very dear to all that knew her and was greatly loved and appreciated by all the staff as well as her family.

She left behind her family that never will forget her voice and words of advice.  She was an inspiration to many for her dignity and courage as she dealt with her illness in her last days.

Paul Brewster

June 9, 1929 - February 5, 2015

Paul was the father of Teresa Evans and grandfather of staff member, Jordan  Evans (Teresa & Riley Joe's son).  Paul was a man of great style and had a very unique personality.

He left behind his sons, Doug and Jerry (Vickie); daughters Gloria (Gene), Debra (Sarge), and Teresa (Riley Joe); sisters, Dorie and Esther; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Jerry M. Griffith

December 14, 1938 - August 12, 2000

"Big Jerry", as we all knew him, was a funeral director that helped on a part-time basis at our firm. He was the former owner and operator of the Simpson-Chandler Funeral Home (now closed) in Charleston, WV.  After many years of service in the funeral industry at various firms and in various capacities, Jerry came to Evans Funeral Home. 

Jerry was famous for his sayings and is almost quoted daily at the firm, even to this day. His dedication to excellence, human compassion, and professionalism influenced all of those that had the opportunity to work with him. 

Wayne Meadows, Jr.

December 30, 1963 - May 29, 2016

Junior, as he was affectionately known, was a long-time employee of Evans Funeral Home, having started washing cars as a teen.  He became a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and crematory operator in 2011.  Everyone associated with our firm found Junior's wit, compassion, and wisdom a refreshing aspect in our lives.

He left behind his wife of 30 years, Dee, and daughter, Constance and her husband, Dave.  It would be safe to say he would want to include his entire family that extends way beyond his blood relations, those of us at Evans Funeral Home, and his many dogs that gave him such joy.

​Junior was also an ordained minister and pastor and served faithfully in each of those capacities.  His ministry mindset carried over into his career, and he displayed his love for Christ in every activity he put his hand to do.

​He is missed by our staff and family, but we know he is enjoying the joys of the Lord and sitting on a bank waiting for a glorious trout to bite.

Michael S. Raines

Sept. 28, 1946 - April 8, 2019

In 2019, we lost a very valuable asset and family member of the Evans family.  Michael Raines, who was the husband of Judy Evans Raines, had, for many years, filled in when needed at the funeral home, even while working his full-time job.

​Michael was retired from Lucent Technologies, a 1964 graduate of Hurricane High School, a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Vietnam Conflict, and was a member of the VFW and Communication Workers of America.

​Michael left behind his wife, Judy Evans Raines, a 40 year employee of Evans Funeral Home, sons; Michael (Rebecca) Raines, Jr. of Hurricane and Christopher Riley Raines of Memphis, TN; daughter-in-law, Cindy Raines of Beckley, WV, his grandchildren he adored; Stephen, Isaac, Sophia, Lilly, Suzie, Heather, and Katie, and 2 great-grandchildren, Ella and Oliver; a host of nieces and nephews; special friends from England, Pat and John Archer, and special friends he grew up with, Dale and Shirley Lewis.

​Mike's wit, intelligence, and love for his family and country will be remembered by the staff and family.