Evans Whittle lived a purpose-filled life devoted to God, Family, his Church, his Profession and service to his country and others for over 91 years. Evans died on Sunday morning, August 11, 2024 at Baptist Hospital-Oxford after a period of declining health. He was born in the Hohenlinden Community of Webster County on August 30, 1932 to the late James Whittle and Estelle Evans Whittle. He grew up in the Derma community of Calhoun County and graduated from Derma High School. He married Patricia Wilson Whittle on December 20, 1956, a marriage of 67 years until her death on July 9, 2024. A patriotic American, Evans served in the U. S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after his stateside service. After studying at Holmes Junior College, Evans received his B.S. degree in Business from Mississippi State University. A man unafraid of labor, he had an illustrious career of over 30 years with Mississippi Valley Gas Company, now Atmos. Beloved and respected by his work colleagues, his service included time in Columbus as District Manager, over 20 years in Jackson as State Marketing Director and his last tenure in Tupelo as District Manager, retiring in 1997. While in Tupelo, he oversaw the building of the District headquarters office on West Main. A resident of Tupelo since the mid 1980’s, the Whittle’s made great contributions to the life of the community and to First Baptist Church, Tupelo where he served as a Deacon, a “jack of all trades” around the Church and a longtime valued Sunday school teacher. A scholarly student of the Bible, Evans loved reading commentaries and study guides. He and “Miss” Pat loved their dogs and often would often be seen at First Baptist accompanied by his dog. Civic minded, Evans was a longtime Rotarian, a loyal Republican and member and leader in the Community Development Foundation. He loved working and building with wood products, a “shade tree” carpenter. A quiet but stoic and moving influence on everyone he met, Evans was a joy to converse with and his kindness, encouragement of others and his deep faith in the goodness of all humanity will be among his lasting legacies.
Visitation will be held at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 9 AM-11 AM with a private family graveside to follow, with Air Force Honors, at Lee Memorial Park. Bro. Matt Powell will officiate with music by Bro. Randy Wood.
Evans is survived by his two sons, Timothy Evans “Tim” Whittle and wife, Michelle of Tupelo and William Daniel “Bill” Whittle and wife, Michelle of Columbus, Ms; grandchildren, Jordan Chammas (Mark), Jillian Powell (Steven), Cameron Whittle (Ann Caroline) and Kayne Graves (Jake); great grandchildren, Ava Chammas, Maddie Powell, Noah Powell, Elijah Powell and Charlotte Graves; several nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Patricia, and siblings, Frances W. Durrell, J. D, Bud and Ed Whittle.
Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 144 South Thomas St., Suite 201, Tupelo, MS. 38801 or to Tupelo-Lee Humane Shelter, P. O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS. 38802.
