Mr. Samuel Paul Evans

Samuel Paul Evans was born February 1, 1929 in Lockhart, Florida and passed peacefully in his sleep on January 30, 2025 at 6:23 pm in Longwood, Florida. He was the son of Samuel Anthony and Maggie Delanie Evans and had 1 brother, 7 sisters, and 2 stepbrothers. He is survived by his sisters, Juanita Gillis and Katherine Osteen, his 3 loving children, Marsha Wendt, Carol Suggs, and David Evans; as well as 4 grandchildren, Michelle Mason, TJ Beasley, Colte Suggs, and Rachel Suggs; 7 great grandchildren, Melisa Hopkins, Gavin Beasley, Calista Mason, Tyler Beasley, Grayson Beasley, Reed Hubler, and Rainey Suggs Hubler; and his future great great grandchild due on August 9, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Evans, son Dennis Evans, and great granddaughter Ella Ann Hubler. 

Paul is loved by all that knew him and lived a full and rewarding life. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War having served in the Army for 2 years in the 52nd Field Artillery Company B. He worked in the motor pool to help keep all of the jeeps in good condition. When he returned from war he worked at Mulford Florida Plants, where he met the love of his life, Evelyn. They were married August 1st, 1953. Paul and Evelyn accepted Christ in 1957 at New England Heights Baptist Church and were soon baptized together. Paul was ordained as a deacon 3 years later beginning a long legacy of service in the church. 

Outside of church, Paul was a member of the Highway Patrol Auxiliary, the Sertoma Club, and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also spent many evenings making sugar cane syrup. Paul and Evelyn loved traveling together with their children. They spent many summers at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly in North Carolina enjoying sermons, inspiring bible studies, and taking courses in how to teach youth in Sunday School and church training. 

In 1972 Paul and Evelyn purchased 10 acres of land and a home in Apopka, Florida. There they started Evans Nursery. While Paul continued to work at Hickerson flowers, he instructed his wife, children and a few employees in running their new business. In 1984 Paul was able to leave Hickersons to build up his own nursery. 

In the fall of 1974, after 15 years of serving at New England Heights, Paul and Evelyn moved their membership to First Baptist Apopka where he spent the next 51 years faithfully serving. Between 1987 and 1993 they thrived as leaders of the young couples class, participating in Bible Study and fellowship that brought new life to the church. They moved into teaching a New Members class for several years and started a First Family Breakfast the first Sunday of each month. 

Paul and Evelyn took many trips to Israel and the Holy Land that added joy to their Christian life, walking where Jesus walked. They would come home and share that being in the Holy Land gave a special feeling that could only be matched by the Holy Spirit. 

After retiring in 1999, they sold their property that is today the home of Northside Baptist Church, It meant the world to them that the property that they were able to grow their business and raise their family on is now dedicated to full time ministry. Selling their property to the church ties back to the first thing they learned as new Christians. They learned early on what the Bible taught about stewardship, time, talents, and money and embraced it in all they did. They were faithful to give God the first portion of their income, the tithe. When you are obedient in giving, God blessed the 90% and supplies all your needs. Because they lived with this in the forefront, they were able to see God use their tithes and offerings to bless their church and church family a hundred times over and it brought them true joy. The legacy that Paul was able to leave behind with his service mindset will be passed down through the generations of both his family and his church. Your family will love you forever and we all look forward to the day we see you and worship with you once again.