Evan Andrew Kynard, 83, died Tuesday, October 20.
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we remember Evan Andrew Kynard, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was a testament to faith, family, hard work, and the simple joys that make life extraordinary.
Evan was a true Southern gentleman, a man of quiet strength whose heart was deeply rooted in the land and people he loved. He found happiness not in life’s extravagances but in its everyday blessings: a beautiful morning in the country, a garden full of ripe tomatoes, a good meal shared with family, and the peace of knowing that everything was just as it ought to be.
A hardworking and dedicated man, Evan devoted over 40 years of service to the City of Tuscaloosa Water Works and was also involved in the timber and logging business. He believed in the value of an honest day’s work and took pride in providing for his family, serving his community, and leaving things better than he found them.
At the heart of Evan’s life was his beloved wife, Margaret or “Puddin” as he called her. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and traditions that would become treasured memories for generations to come. Their home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where Margaret’s beautiful flowers and home-cooked meals were complemented by Evan’s own culinary specialties; baking sweet potatoes in his wood-fired stove, barbequing ribs on the grill he built himself, or sharing the tomatoes and peppers he had grown. Anyone fortunate enough to taste one of Evan’s homegrown tomatoes knew that gardening was far more than a pastime. He tended his plants with remarkable patience and care, producing what his family would proudly argue were the best tomatoes anyone had ever tasted. Like everything else Evan did, he believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. While Evan appreciated a good home-cooked meal, he also had quite the sweet tooth, especially when it came to ice cream. His frequent trips to McDonald’s for an ice cream cone was one of life’s simple pleasures and a little routine that became so distinctly Evan. It is one of the many things that will bring a smile to the faces of those who knew and loved him.
Evan’s own little piece of heaven was his beloved property in Greensboro, affectionately known as “The Snort.” More than a piece of land, it was his sanctuary, his pride and joy, and the setting for some of his family’s most cherished memories. He could often be found riding his Gator or four-wheeler around the property, making his rounds to ensure everything was exactly as it needed to be. From carefully tending his greenfields to feeding the deer, squirrels, and birds that made their way onto his property, Evan found genuine joy in caring for his patch of paradise. When he wasn’t tending to his land, Evan could often be found “sitting up in the shop,” enjoying good company or his simply enjoying his quite peaceful paradise. He appreciated the kind of fellowship that didn’t require an invitation or a special occasion, just a familiar face and a little time to spare.
Above all else, Evan was a man of deep and abiding faith. A faithful member of Rhodes Chapel Baptist Church, he lived his beliefs through kindness, integrity, humility, and service to others. His relationship with the Lord extended far beyond Sunday mornings. Each night, he faithfully read his Bible, finding strength, wisdom, and comfort in God’s Word. His faith guided the way he lived and was one of the greatest gifts he passed down to his family.
Of all the titles Evan held throughout his life, perhaps none brought him greater joy than “Daddy” and “Grandaddy.” To his children and grandchildren, he was a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and someone who showed his love through the countless little things he did for them. Whether it was riding around The Snort, checking on the deer, or simply spending an afternoon together, time with Grandaddy was always time well spent.
He took tremendous pride in his grandchildren and their accomplishments, especially enjoying the opportunity to cheer them on from the stands at their ball games. No matter how much work needed to be done, he made time for the moments that mattered most. To Grandaddy, those games were about far more than the final score. They were opportunities to watch someone he loved pursue something that mattered to them, and there was nowhere else he would rather have been.
Evan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Prisoc Kynard; his parents, John Werdna Kynard Sr. and I.V. Smelley Kynard Fowler; his sister, Verta Barr Meherg; and his infant son, Evan Andrew Kynard Jr.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Angela Smelley (Tony) and Deborah Crews (Shane); his adoring grandchildren, Jon Evan Smelley, MacKenzie Smelley (Logan), Ella Crews, and Andrew Crews; his brother, J.W. Kynard, Jr.; and a host of extended family members and dear friends, all of whom he loved with his whole heart.
His family will forever cherish the lessons he taught without ever needing to put them into words: to work hard, to take pride in what you do, to care for God’s creation, to remain steadfast in faith, and, most importantly, to always make time for the people you love.
Though his absence will be deeply felt, Evan’s legacy lives on in the traditions he established, the values he instilled, and the countless memories shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His love, steady presence, and gentle guidance will remain with his family for generations to come.
A celebration of Evan’s life was held on Friday, October 23, at Rhodes Chapel Baptist Church, Greensboro, with visitation at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. with Reverend Albert Lyles officiating. Interment immediately followed at the church cemetery.
Pallbearers included Shane Crews, Andrew Crews, Tony Smelley, Jon Evan Smelley, Johnny Kynard, Michael Kynard and Shannon McCrory. Honorary pallbearers included members of Rhodes Chapel Baptist Church and special caregiver, Linda Hambright.
Memory Chapel Funeral Home & Memory Hill Gardens of Tuscaloosa was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Evan’s name to Rhodes Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or Hospice of West Alabama.
