Evan Charles Reid

Songs of Hope

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place.

Chorus

When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when traveling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Chorus

I’LL FLY AWAY

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

Chorus

I’ll fly away, Oh Glory I’ll fly away; (in the morning)

When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;

Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Chorus

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

Chorus

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away;

To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Chorus

Our Hero

Evan was the man I fell in love with 19 years ago. He was a husband and father of two, Devan and Kayla. He loved his family, and we loved him. He often recited his three great loves: God, Family, Country. “In that order,” he would say. Evan displayed his love for all three.

Evan had a presence that commanded your attention and a vocabulary that drew you in. He was never intimidated by anything or anyone and could debate any subject that came his way.

Evan was a protector. That was his job, he said. You had to pass his test before you could enter the front door a second time. Like any parent, he wanted the best for his children.

Evan was our advisor. He was a good communicator. We asked… he responded… but be ready for a speech… It was going to take a while. He thrived to provide clarity to any subject and wanted to make sure you understood his path.

Evan loved to cook. He was in charge of preparing the turkey at Christmas. He would carve and watch us eat, then he would say, “I know, I know, thank me later.” Just don’t ask him to wash the dishes.

Even loved to sing and he filled the house with melodies he enjoyed. There was never a dull moment around Evan. He enjoyed a challenge. If an equipment broke, it would be better to throw it out… because he was going to fix it; even if it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, as long as it worked. He taught us everything he knew how to do, so we could do it in his absence. Too bad no one paid attention to cooking that turkey.

Evan… Dad, we love you. You are our hero. We will miss your words of wisdom, your lectures, your voice, your warmth, and your presence. We will strive to make you proud and keep you in our hearts always.

Heather, Devan, and Kayla.

Evan Charles Reid was the second child of seven, born April 1, 1966, to the late Alva and Parvita Reid. He was a very curious child and was taught how to cook and sew early and excelled at both.

Evan attended Dillard High School where he was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). After graduating from High School, in June 1985, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and was a Combat Engineer in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served proudly in times of peace and war.

After returning home, Evan married the love of his life, Heather. They had two children, Devan and Kayla. Evan was devoted to his family which was his second love, God being the first.

Evan had a passion for service to his country, service to the community, and for music. His service to the country was evident when, even after being honorably discharged from active duty in the army, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and continued to serve until retirement. He continued his service to the community by becoming an Emergency Medical Technician. His license remained active up to the time of his sudden death.

Evan had a passion for music. He was a gifted guitarist who taught his sisters how to play. Evan also loved to sing. He could be found at any time captivating the audience singing karaoke at the Oasis Pub. While he loved a variety of songs, he especially loved country music and country gospel songs. He would be excited to hear a quartet singing and he would gladly join in. He was well known for his quick-witted responses, compelling debates, and his baritone sermon-like speaking tones. Everything he said was done in preaching mode; even when he was arguing. It made you want to say “amen” and take up an offering.

Having grown up in the apostolic faith, Evan accepted Jesus as his savior and was baptized in the name of Jesus in 1979 at Banner of Love Apostolic Church. On Saturday, October 15, 2022, Evan Charles Reid, husband and father of 2 children, passed away at the age of 56.

Evan was preceded in death by his father Alva Reid and mother Parvita Reid. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Heather; children Devan and Kayla; brother Lemuel; sisters Grace, Collette, Carol, Rosalie, and Hope; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Our Brother

Evan, you were always a deep thinker. You didn’t take things at face value. Sometimes, you even checked us in our belief system, to make sure it was sound.

I remember times you would bring up topics that challenged some of our core spiritual beliefs. That forced us to dig deeper in scripture and became more observant of certain truths that we so often take for granted. At the end, it always came back to the cross and God’s love. The songs you loved the most are the evidence of your faith in Christ.

I miss you, my brother. Rosalie Reid

Evan, my dear older brother. I will never forget your voice and the way you deeply and passionately defended your beliefs. You were a serious negotiator and would not stop until we saw it your way, then we would have a great laugh. I will hold the memories dear to my heart.

Rest on, till we meet again. Collette Reid-Hill

To my big brother, Evan. I’ll always remember our stimulating and thought-provoking conversations. The ones where you played “devil’s advocate” just to encourage debate. And boy, you knew how to debate. I remember when I heard you play Amazing Grace on the guitar for the first time. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud of you.

I thought to myself, “my brother is so talented.” I thank God for the time we had together and will cherish the treasured memories.

Rest on, brother. Hope Reid

Protector and Friend

Evan was the only brother I had and he was also my best friend. He meant a lot to me. He taught me how to stand up and look forward to growing up and becoming a man. I will definitely miss the good times we had and the political debates about life.

I love you my brother and I will miss you dearly.

Lemuel Reid

You were the one who always wanted to protect your sisters. I remember I met a man who wanted to date me. You heard about him and came to the church just to see who he was. As soon as you saw him, you turned to me and said, “you could do better than that; Sis, he’s not for you.” Then you walked right out of the church. I’ll never forget it. Evan, you loved God, and you remembered through your struggles, that God is the keeper of your soul. I miss you so much, you will always be in my heart.

Rest well my beloved brother. Carol Reid

It seemed like just yesterday we would create songs and play our music. Evan, you have left us way too early. I miss you my brother and the good memories will never leave me.

Rest well – Grace Reid

A Caring and Dear Friend

To my brother Reid, a humble, supportive, and caring friend. You will be missed, and I will cherish our brotherhood and friendship. Until we meet again, rest peacefully with our heavenly father.

Brother and fellow Veteran - James Leon Patton, III

I have known Reid for years. He loved to sing karaoke. He was a very dear friend who has helped me through some dark times in my life. He was not just a friend, he was family. He will be missed by so many, especially by my wife Michelle and me. I know he will be looking down on us.

Elijah and Michelle - Oasis Pub Karaoke Family.

Everyone knows what Charles meant to me. I met him at One-Stop Car Wash. We hit it off immediately and became brothers for life. I now have a big family because of him. I love him and will miss him. Finally, he can sleep comfortably.

Love you man - Vincent Lunsford

I met Evan in high school, class of ’85, on the football field. We became good friends and had fun times. After high school, we went our separate ways, but reunited later in life. He was still the same; a very good friend and a great guy. We always had good times. He will be missed by a lot of people. Love you brother. Until we meet again - Eddie Toney

Charles always had my back regardless of what I was going through. He kept me laughing and always told me that everything will be ok.

Love you Charles, my friend - Vanessa White

Only the soldier is a free man, because he can look death in the face.

Friedrich Schiller

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2 Timothy 2:3-4

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21