Vivian Columbus “V.C.” Evans, 101, of Arley, Alabama, met his Savior face-to-face on June 17, 2025. Born on November 3, 1923, in Arley, he spent a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
On February 4, 1944, at the height of World War II, V.C. answered his nation’s call to service when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following basic training at Camp Crowder, Missouri, he sailed from New York City to Marseilles, France, where he began his mission delivering communications to front-line troops, often driving a jeep through enemy territory under the cover of darkness. While serving near the Siegfried Line in Germany, he was injured in a bombing attack that claimed the life of a fellow serviceman and left others wounded. Though never one to speak much of his own sacrifice, he carried the weight of that moment for the rest of his life.
Upon returning home to Arley, V.C. started a dairy farm with his father, a venture that laid the foundation for his lifelong connection to the land. In addition to his work as a dairy farmer, he served as a rural mail carrier for 48 years, delivering not only mail but kindness to those along his route. In 1972, he opened Evans Service Station, a business he operated faithfully for decades. Even into his nineties, V.C. could be seen there each day, greeting customers and serving his community with quiet consistency. Throughout his life, V.C. found great joy in serving on a number of boards including Looney’s Tavern Amphitheater, where he loved meeting visitors from across the country and sharing the story of Winston County’s unique heritage.
V.C. was a man of few words, but those who knew him understood he had a heart for the lost. He carried a quiet but passionate urgency for sharing the gospel, often forming plans with pastors and fellow deacons to visit those in need of salvation. His love for his church, Arley First Baptist, was evident in his faithful service as a deacon and his behind-the-scenes generosity to others. He was the epitome of a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—steadfastly caring for his beloved wife, Annis, throughout their 77 years of marriage. But V.C.’s commitment extended far beyond his role as a husband. His love for his family was unwavering, and he was always present—showing up, pitching in, and encouraging his family in whatever they were doing.
He is survived by his son Michael Evans, daughter Rebecca (Steven) McCay, and grandchildren: Jennifer (Jared) Green, Andrew (Kristen) McCay, Amy (Michael) Praytor, Bethany (Jonathan) Jordan, and Juliana (Tim) Horsley; as well as 12 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy. He was preceded in death by his wife Annis, his parents Chris and Vassie Evans, five siblings, and his grandson Christopher Evans.
A service to celebrate V.C.’s life will be held at Collins-Burke Funeral Home on Thursday, June 19, 2025 with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 and service to immediately follow. The service will be officiated by Rev. Don Graham, Rev. Mike Goforth, and Rev. Zac Reno.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Looney’s Amphitheater Complex and Cultural Center, in care of the Winston County Arts Council, Double Springs, Alabama or a gift to the North American Mission Board’s Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
