Buddy Evans

A memorial service for Martin Westmoreland “Buddy” Evans, 82, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of First Baptist Church in Athens with Fred Lackey officiating.

Visitation will follow the service.

Mr. Evans, who died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, was born Nov. 18, 1928, to Theo Westmoreland Evans and Susie Lurline Quinn Evans in Athens.

He worked for Spry and McConnell funeral homes. He served in the Army National Guard in the Korean War and was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Athens.

Mr. Evans was coroner of Limestone County from 1955 to 1963, and served as Limestone County Sheriff from 1963 to 1978. He then was appointed by Gov. Fob James as assistant director of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board where, among other duties, he oversaw the state drug unit. He entered the restaurant industry, opening Catfish Inn in 1982 and Greenbrier Restaurant in 1987.

Mr. Evans served as chairman of the Alabama Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranches and president of the Alabama Sheriffs’ Association. He was also president of the Athens Civitan Club and was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 16, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Alabama Peace Officers and First Baptist Church of Athens.

Mr. Evans is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bobbie Ann Deemer Evans; son, Johnny Evans and wife Mitzi, son, Jerry Evans and wife Cindy; grandchildren, Martin Evans, Corrine Evans, John Mac Evans, and Hannah Beth Evans; sister, Nellie Hill; brother-in-law and adopted son Frank Deemer and wife Ann; nieces, Elaine Flannagan and husband Gideon and Annalice Henthorne and husband Richie; great-nieces Lisa Flannagan, and Tara Langford and husband Chris; nephew, John Deemer and wife Stephanie; great-nephews, Jack Deemer and Mark Flannagan and wife Tracey, all of Athens.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Limestone County, Save A Life of Limestone County or your favorite charity.