Gary Wayne Evans

Gary Wayne Evans, age 68, of Middlesboro, KY, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He was born on November 28, 1957, in Middlesboro, KY, and spent his early years on a farm in Virginia.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Euline “Mickey” Fenter (Carter) and Donald Ray Fenter, a U.S. Army serviceman whose career took the family not only across the country, but across the world.

Gary graduated from Hanau High School in Hanau, Germany, in 1976, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy, where he came back to America and would create true friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Gary worked many jobs from a young age, but after years of traveling and relocation, he returned home to Middlesboro, KY, where he spent many years working for Cumberland Gap Provisions. It was during this chapter of his life that he met his wife, who also precedes him in death, Barbara “Gail” Evans (Adkins). They were married in 1982, and ten years later, they welcomed their daughter, Olivia.

In his later years, Gary worked in property rentals and entrepreneurship. One of his proudest chapters came when he stood beside his daughter, to help open and rebuild Dorchester Market, bringing new life to the neighborhood. Above all else, Gary’s greatest role was being a devoted and protective father. He is survived by his daughter, Olivia Ashley Evans “Libby.”

Gary loved fishing, four-wheeling, poker, billiards, and spending time with the people he cherished in his life. He was known for his stories, his sharp wit, his strong will, and a presence that left an impression wherever he went. Gary lived boldly, stood up for himself, and believed life was meant to be experienced, not observed.

He was a man of Baptist faith and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel. Those who knew Gary Wayne will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, lived bravely, and never held back from life.

The family of Gary Wayne Evans will receive friends on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Astor Simpson presiding.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to Hurst Cemetery in Middlesboro, KY, where graveside services will be held with full military honors by the Campbell County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Mark Ellison, Billy Joe Davis, Brandon Seals, Pete Schumacher, Derek Ellis, Donnie Earls, Bradley Earls and Rodger Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Watson and Michael Pitcher.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Gary Wayne Evans are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.