With heavy hearts, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Mr. Edgar R. Evans, Sr.

Edgar Rayhu Evans Sr., son of the late Bossie and Susie Mae Evans, was born in Wagner, South Carolina, on January 27, 1953. He was called home on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

At 18 years old, he volunteered to serve his country in the Vietnam War. When his draft papers arrived in the mail, he was already six months into training. While serving in the United States Air Force, he worked as a mechanic, specifically installing and maintaining the proper functionality of ejection seats in fighter aircraft. He was thanked numerous times by pilots whose lives were saved because of his work. After active service, he returned home and continued serving in the Air Force Reserves for many years.

Growing up as a country boy, Edgar always took great pride in his garden and his yard. Even up until his last week on earth, he was tending to his garden. He was meticulous in his work, and friends, neighbors, and passersby would often stop to commend him on his beautiful yard. Flowers, vegetables, and fruits were always a staple.

Edgar enjoyed many things throughout his life. In his younger days, he drag raced his all-black automatic '68 Camaro SS. As the story goes, he rarely ever lost. His need for speed was reflected in his love for NASCAR. Edgar and his son, Edgar Jr., attended several races each year, making sure they were present for what he called the biggest race in the world — the Daytona 500. After retirement, you could often find him watching Westerns like Gunsmoke, and he could tell you about every character. Edgar also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching wrestling.

If you knew Edgar, you knew he loved people. He never hesitated to help anyone in need. To those going through difficult times, he would always say, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me." He was a strong believer in the Lord and faithfully passed down his faith to his children and to friends who needed encouragement.

Edgar is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carlenia Freeman Evans; his children: Jasmine Berrios (Augusta, GA), Tracee Felita (Aiken, SC), Tonya Bynem (Wagner, SC), Charmane Greene (Douglasville, GA), Jamie Bryce (Thomson, GA), and Edgar Evans Jr. (Atlanta, GA); his brother, Gary Evans; and his sisters, Cedar Lawrence(Martinez, GA) and Rosalee (Peggy) Evans (Albany, NY). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Stacie Evans; and his siblings, Paul Evans, Freddie Evans, Rosetta (Jean) Evans, and Carol Kitchings.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, March 5, 2026 at G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Virgil Bynem officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery (New Ellenton.) Viewing will be held from 2:00 PM until 5:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Professional Services are under the care of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.