Funeral services for Billy Wayne Evans, 79, of Emory, will be held on Thursday, June 15, at 2:00 p.m., at Wilson Orwosky Funeral Home in Emory. Mr. Evans died on June 4, 2023. He was born on January 29, 1944, in Modesto, California to William Douglas Evans and Dora Francis.
Mr. Evans was a United States Army Veteran and served in Korea and Vietnam. He was praised by many for his dedicated work ethic and proven leadership skills. He was wounded while serving in Vietnam and awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his service.
He was a prominent figure in the commercial roofing industry as vice president of Gideon Roofing, owner of Phoenix Roofing of Dallas, and co-owner of Empire Roofing where he was based in Memphis, Tenn. He served as an officer in the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA), Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT), and many other trade organizations.
He often spent time hunting and fishing and participated in numerous fishing competitions. He loved to be out on the lake. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he could usually be found with friends and family.
Mr. Evans is survived by his daughter, Erica Tahbonemah and husband Ken; sons, William Evans and Jimmy Bowen; granddaughters, Lauren Trayler and husband Bryan, Aiyanna Tahbonemah and Emma Tahbonemah; and great-granddaughter, Eleanor Trayler.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Carole Evans; parents; and sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and George Hearn.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Operation Smile and/or The Wounded Warrior Project in Billy’s memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home.