Douglas "Randy" Evans

Douglas “Randy” Evans, age 67, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at his home. Randy was a lifelong resident of the Widener Valley section of Damascus VA. He was the son of the late Kenneth M. and Lorraine M. Evans Cook, both Widener Valley natives. He was the proud grandson of the late Charles and Dorothy Evans and Alger and Flossie McClure, also Widener Valley natives. His roots ran deep in Widener Valley, he lived 65 of his 67 years within a 5-mile radius. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David A. Evans; niece, Brandi L. Evans.

Those left to cherish his memory: Wife and soul mate, Debbie Evans; Stepfather, Robert Cook, Damascus VA; Daughter of the Heart, Amanda Snead, Bristol, TN; Grandson of the Heart, Troy Mullins, Bristol, TN; Special Mother-in-Law, who loved Randy as her own and he loved her as a mom, Louise Stilwell, Raven, VA; Special In-Laws, Teresa and Steve Proffitt, Cedar Bluff, VA; Special Nephew and Nieces, Joe Stilwell, Swords Creek, VA; Misty (Caleb) Kestner, Saltville, VA; Danielle Proffitt Payne, Cedar Bluff, VA; Brandi (JW) Davis, Pounding Mill, VA; Special Great-Nephews and Nieces, Colton, Levi and Cayden; Kestner, Petyon Stilwell, Oliva Davis, and Dallas Grace Payne; Paternal Aunt, Janice McConnell, Hickory NC; and his best fur buddy, who had been his shadow since the day he came to his forever home, Brodie Boy. Along with a host of extended family and friends that knew and loved Randy. 

If you were blessed to be kin to Randy or know him as a friend, you knew you had someone who would always be there to call on for help if you needed it. There simply isn’t enough space to recognize all of you who meant so much to Randy, but please know he cherished your friendships.

Randy was a simple man; the things he loved the most were the things that God created to make the natural earth a beautiful place. To him, you were wasting the day if you didn’t spend at least 2-3 hours outdoors taking in creation. His favorite way to start the day was to be outside before the sun came up and wait for the sun to bring forth the life of God’s creation and enjoy the birds in their early morning chatter. He loved camping, hiking, hunting, bike riding or simply sitting on a tree stump in the middle of the woods. Growing up in Widener Valley was a deep, deep part of Randy’s life and who he was, and a true blessing. Widener Valley is made up of a community of people who are family, whether you are blood kin or not, where everyone takes care of each other. As a young boy, Randy spent many hours with his buddy, Mike Cornett, riding their bikes to go help family and friends with their tobacco patches or hay fields.

Randy was a perfectionist in anything that he did; in everything, he demanded the best of himself. That way of thinking came from his grandfather, Charles. Randy’s father passed away when Randy was a young teenager. When this happened, his grandfather stepped in and began to father Randy. His grandfather was a carpenter by trade, and he taught Randy the skills that allowed Randy to do pretty much anything as far as building things and repairing things. When asked to help with a project, Randy would take the knowledge passed onto him by his grandfather and figure out how to make it work. Randy’s grandmother, Dorothy, was a self-taught arborist. She passed on her talents and love of putting a seed in the ground and watching it come to life to Randy. He loved to plant trees and bushes and flowers. He adorned his yard with the beauty of flowers and always awaited the life that the spring season brought to them. One of his most enjoyable pleasures was harvesting his yearly garden bounty and sharing it with family and friends.

His early working years were spent at McBee System, where he worked for 24 years. There, Randy built lasting friendships that were always a part of his life. His last working years were spent at General Dynamics, where he worked for 21 years, retiring in 2022. Randy spent those 21 years also building lasting friendships; friendships that ran deep.

One of Randy’s most favorite places on earth was Grayson Highlands State Park, which will be Randy’s final resting place. Randy will be missed terribly. May we all treasure the part of his life that we were blessed to share. In keeping with his wishes there will be no service. In his honor go out some morning and watch the sun come up and think of the special friend he was.

“Go Rest High On That Mountain, Son Your Work On Earth Is Done” -Vince Gill

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Douglas Randy Evans.