Harold Neal Evans Jr.

Harold Neal Evans, Jr., affectionately known as Neal, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, under the compassionate care of Big Bend Hospice. Neal was born in Miami, Florida, on July 5, 1947. He spent the first several years of his childhood in Miami before his family moved to Daytona Beach when his father took over a route for Holsum Bakery. With his elementary school located just across the street from his home, Neal was known to occasionally take advantage of the convenient location to play hooky from school, a story that remained part of the family's memories of his younger years. Neal was a member of the first graduating class of the "new" Seabreeze High School in 1965. He was an incredibly proud Sandcrab and remained actively involved with his fellow Class of 1965 classmates throughout his life. After high school, Neal attended Daytona Beach Community College before enrolling at Florida State University, where he earned his degree in accounting and began a lifelong connection to Tallahassee. Neal dedicated much of his professional life to public service. His career included positions with the Bureau of Retardation within the Florida Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services, the Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Association of Rehabilitative Facilities. He later spent more than 20 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, where he developed many lasting friendships and professional relationships. Neal officially retired in 2012, but retirement apparently didn't suit him forever. In 2023, he returned to the Department part-time and continued working until he "re-retired" in June 2026. Neal was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served as an Elder and contributed his time and talents to several church committees throughout the years. Neal was a devoted father who supported his children in everything they pursued. As they grew, he became deeply involved in youth baseball and softball, dedicating countless hours to helping young athletes thrive. He managed leagues at Winthrop Park, Messer Park, and Tom Brown Park, and spent many years serving in various roles with Babe Ruth Baseball, Leon High School Baseball and Softball, Florida High Baseball, and Maclay Baseball. His support extended well beyond the diamond, encouraging his children and others in bowling, swimming, and many other activities. Neal helped establish the first fastpitch softball team at Leon High School and was a steadfast advocate for giving kids every opportunity to do their best in the sports they loved. He devoted more than 40 years to youth sports in Tallahassee, continuing long after his own children had finished playing. Over the years, Neal formed countless connections throughout the community, so many that he and his family could hardly go anywhere in Tallahassee without seeing someone they knew from the ball fields and leagues he supported. Neal was preceded in death by his parents: Harold Neal Evans, Sr. and Adalaide Brooks Evans; and his sister, Jeannine Evans. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Janet Marie Holmes Evans, with whom he built a lifetime of love, family, and memories. He is also survived by his children: Jennifer Templeman, Christopher Evans (Casey), and Patrick Evans (Michelle); his grandchildren: Christna Thorpe (AJ), Korbin Evans, Kaylee Owens, Kimberly Evans, Jayla Templeman, and Rylee Evans; and his great-granddaughter, Carter Thorpe. Above all, Neal was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and there was rarely a milestone, ballgame, celebration, or important moment where he wasn't there cheering them on. A Celebration of the Life of Harold Neal Evans will be held on September 5, 2026 at 11 AM at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2200 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Big Bend Hospice, or to a youth program of your choice, in Neal’s memory. The family sincerely thanks you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Ashli McCall, of Bevis Funeral Home, (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) has the honor of assisting the family with their arrangements.

Harold Neal Evans Jr.

July 5, 1947 - August 12, 2026