Funeral services for Mr. Thurmond L. "T.L." Evans will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday May 6, 2026, at the New Chapel United Pentecostal Church in Collins with interment following in the New Chapel Cemetery. The Reverend Ken Hickman will officiate, assisted by the Reverend Rodney Bankens. Mr. Evans, age 90, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord on Monday, May 4, 2026, just days shy of his 91st birthday.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at New Chapel United Pentecostal Church. Visitation will resume on Wednesday morning, beginning at 9:00 am until the hour of service at 11:00 am at the Church.

Mr. Evans will be carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers including Tyson Evans, Taylor Evans, Shane Davis, Alan Davis, Jay Lee, and Tommy Gatwood.

T.L. was born on May 8, 1935, in Collins, Mississippi to Troy Lee and Eunice Sanford Evans. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany, proudly serving during the Korean Conflict for three years. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled in the University of Southern Mississippi, where he graduated with a double major in Business Management and Marketing. Successive to his college graduation, Mr. Evans embarked on a successful career with the JC Penney Corporation, where he worked diligently as an Operations Manager for more than two decades. His career began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and through his perseverance and skill, he was entrusted with transfers to Marietta, Georgia, as well as Metairie, Lake Charles, and ultimately Lafayette, Louisiana.

Transitioning from corporate life, Mr. Evans manifested his entrepreneurial spirit by founding T & G Enterprises. Under his guidance, the company operated a fleet of trucks specializing in hauling oil field equipment. In 1999, embarking on a well-earned retirement, he and his beloved wife, Gwen, returned to their roots in Collins, where they enjoyed the peaceful pleasures of life. Retirement, however, did not slow Mr. Evans’ enthusiasm for activities close to his heart.

He was an avid golfer, passionately engaging in the sport three times a week during his prime years. His remarkable talent earned him two memorable holes-in-one — one at Les Vieux Chenes Golf Course in Youngsville, Louisiana, and another at the Okatoma Golf Course in Collins, Mississippi. His affection for the game extended beyond playing; he worked part-time in the pro shop at Okatoma, enjoying the camaraderie and atmosphere of the Golf Club.

In 1972, Brother T.L. Evans obeyed the gospel according to Acts 2:38 and received the Holy Ghost under the ministry of his pastor, Rev. M.D. Treece at the Apostolic Temple in Lake Charles, LA. From the day of his repentance 54 years ago, he purposed in his heart to live wholly surrendered and completely sold out to God.  As he renewed his mind through the Word of God, his life was gloriously transformed, and he came to understand that his life was a living epistle-read and known by all. Throughout his years, he served his Lord in several locales, including his service as a deacon at First United Pentecostal Church, Lafayette, Louisiana, pastored by Rev. C.E. Cooley. After retirement, Brother T.L. Evans became a faithful member of the New Chapel United Pentecostal Church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Evans he is preceded in death by his brother, Kenton Evans, a grandson, Eric A. Evans, and a great-granddaughter, Hope Raphaela Taylor.

His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Tyrone Evans of Collins; his son, Tony L. Evans (Stephanie) of Church Point, LA; his daughter, Angela Danielle Evans Borque of Collins; and his brother, Cecil Evans (Cappy) of Collins; The legacy of their Pawpaw will also live on through his 8 grandchildren, Kimberly F. Hamilton (JR), Tyson L. Evans (Aleson), Hannah E. Evans, Taylor C. Evans, Teryn Taylor (Josh), Bobby J. Lee, III (Mildred), Emily Borque (Noah Breaux); and 9 great-grandchildren, Tyson L. Evans, II, Hailey Hamilton, Jace Evans, Sadie Evans, Joanna Taylor, Ella Taylor, Annabel Lee, Bobby J. Lee, IV, and Georgia Lee.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com