1923
Warren
2013
Warren Gamaliel Evans
April 3, 1923 — June 13, 2013
Scotland County is now left with the memory of a great citizen and a good and fine man. Warren Gamaliel Evans died quietly on June 13, 2013 at the age of 89, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born in Laurinburg he was one of four sons and two daughters born to Icelene and Elmore Evans. He is survived by his wife, the former Betty Louise Blue of Laurinburg, a daughter Wendy Evans Wadhams and husband, Richard of Littleton, Colorado and one brother, Gene Evans and wife, Billie of Zionsville, Indiana.
Warren's family stayed on the move, because his father was a mill worker and in those days, folks moved from mill town to mill town. Finally settling in Laurinburg, his family put down roots in order for the children to have a consistent education. As Warren entered Laurinburg High School it was noted that his size and abilities made him perfect for the Fighting Scots Football team. Their first ever State Championship was in 1941, proof evident in its 20-6 win over Mount Airy at Chapel Hill's Kenan Stadium. The Laurinburg Exchange headline following that game ran "Laurinburg Fighting Scots Bring Home Bacon Saturday". Often referred to as "the dream team", Warren shared the win with recognizable names such as Cotton Sutherland, Gus Purcell, Dunc Sinclair, Carl Jones, Bud Baker, Hugh McArn, Paul Nunnally, Horace Prevatte, and Curt Davidson. That day Kenan Stadium was packed with 5000 fans as well as scouts for the major universities and colleges.
Following this win his college days would have to be put on hold. World War II placed him in what Tom Brokaw referred to in his best-seller as The Greatest Generation. One of Warren's favorite books, Brokaw states, "They answered the call to help save the world from the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled, instruments of conquest in the hands of fascist maniacs. The would fight, often hand to hand, in the most primitive conditions possible, across the bloodied landscape of France, Belgium, Italy, Austria. They were far removed from their homeland."
Warren was inducted into the United States Army as a Reconnaissance NCO and saw action in Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. Sergeant Warren Evans had been awarded the American Theatre Campaign Medal, Eamet Campaign Medal with 5 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal of the 462nd ORD EVAC CO, and the Victory Medal.
Upon returning stateside, he was awarded a football scholarship to Duke and played for Duke football. He was forever a fan and supporter. After his education at Duke, Warren came home to Laurinburg and joined the police force where he kept the peace and helped many young men by taking them home instead of to jail.
After ten years on the Laurinburg Police Force he was offered a job with Luter Packing Company, maker of the Smithfield products. For years industry presidents around Laurinburg would shop with Warren, picking out hams for employees for Christmas presents. He retired in 1984 as Vice-President of Luter and put much time and effort into his yard, and commented that he thought this spring was the pettiest the yard had ever looked with all of the azaleas and dogwoods.
Always kind and compassionate, he always looked out for his family and friends. He loved his home neighborhood of College Park and often spoke of his days as an active member of the VFW. He was a regular at their weekly poker game, where he was considered quite successful.
He was an elegant man---a man we are fortunate to have in our memories and to have counted as a friend.
A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium Chapel officiated by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Marshall.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Scotland County, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353.
Read Warren Evans's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdougald.com.
Warren's family stayed on the move, because his father was a mill worker and in those days, folks moved from mill town to mill town. Finally settling in Laurinburg, his family put down roots in order for the children to have a consistent education. As Warren entered Laurinburg High School it was noted that his size and abilities made him perfect for the Fighting Scots Football team. Their first ever State Championship was in 1941, proof evident in its 20-6 win over Mount Airy at Chapel Hill's Kenan Stadium. The Laurinburg Exchange headline following that game ran "Laurinburg Fighting Scots Bring Home Bacon Saturday". Often referred to as "the dream team", Warren shared the win with recognizable names such as Cotton Sutherland, Gus Purcell, Dunc Sinclair, Carl Jones, Bud Baker, Hugh McArn, Paul Nunnally, Horace Prevatte, and Curt Davidson. That day Kenan Stadium was packed with 5000 fans as well as scouts for the major universities and colleges.
Following this win his college days would have to be put on hold. World War II placed him in what Tom Brokaw referred to in his best-seller as The Greatest Generation. One of Warren's favorite books, Brokaw states, "They answered the call to help save the world from the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled, instruments of conquest in the hands of fascist maniacs. The would fight, often hand to hand, in the most primitive conditions possible, across the bloodied landscape of France, Belgium, Italy, Austria. They were far removed from their homeland."
Warren was inducted into the United States Army as a Reconnaissance NCO and saw action in Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. Sergeant Warren Evans had been awarded the American Theatre Campaign Medal, Eamet Campaign Medal with 5 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal of the 462nd ORD EVAC CO, and the Victory Medal.
Upon returning stateside, he was awarded a football scholarship to Duke and played for Duke football. He was forever a fan and supporter. After his education at Duke, Warren came home to Laurinburg and joined the police force where he kept the peace and helped many young men by taking them home instead of to jail.
After ten years on the Laurinburg Police Force he was offered a job with Luter Packing Company, maker of the Smithfield products. For years industry presidents around Laurinburg would shop with Warren, picking out hams for employees for Christmas presents. He retired in 1984 as Vice-President of Luter and put much time and effort into his yard, and commented that he thought this spring was the pettiest the yard had ever looked with all of the azaleas and dogwoods.
Always kind and compassionate, he always looked out for his family and friends. He loved his home neighborhood of College Park and often spoke of his days as an active member of the VFW. He was a regular at their weekly poker game, where he was considered quite successful.
He was an elegant man---a man we are fortunate to have in our memories and to have counted as a friend.
A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium Chapel officiated by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Marshall.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Scotland County, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353.
Read Warren Evans's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdougald.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Warren Gamaliel Evans, please visit our flower store.