Horace Joseph Evans was born on November 3, 1943, in Gulfport, MS, to the late Wilson Evans II and Ruth Breland Evans. He departed his earthly life on December 13, 2025.

As the oldest of eight children, Horace embraced his role as a protector of his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. He was baptized at an early age by Rev. Famous McElaney at Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church. A member of the 33rd Avenue High School Class of 1963, Horace later worked alongside his brothers and eventually retired as a longshoreman from ILA Local 1303.

He was a man of few words but deep wisdom, whose smile could light up any room. Sweets were his love language—cupcakes, brownies, and Wrigley's Juicy Fruit or Spearmint gum were his quiet ways of saying, "I love you."

Even after losing his eyesight, Horace remained a guiding presence in his family's life. With the assistance of technology, he continued to enjoy the music of the 1960s and 70s. He also enjoyed Saints football, listening to PoliticsNation with Rev. Al Sharpton, staying updated on the weather, and engaging with audiobooks and trivia. His family fondly recalls hearing him frequently ask, "Echo, what time is it?"

Horace was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Ruth Breland Evans; his brothers, Wilson Evans Jr. and Donald Evans; his brother-in-law, Phillip Porter; sisters-in-law, Nettie Evans and Olivia Evans; niece, Dr. Donna Evans-Alexander; and great-nephew, Jayson Evans.

He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Tommy Kirk (Dorothy) Evans of Gulfport, MS; Sandra Porter of Houston, TX; Diane (Danny) Stubbs of Columbia, SC; and Raymond Evans and Keith (Martin) Evans, both of Gulfport, MS. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Hiawatha Evans of Long Beach; three aunts, Jane Carroll, Mollie Powers, and Marion Cotton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.