Glenn N. Evans

Glenn N. Evans, age 65, of Knoxville, Tenn., died on July 11, 2011, after living the up-and-down life of Metastatic Melanoma for seven years filled with numerous tests, doctor visits, hospitalizations, trips to one clinic or another, tears, resignation, hope, wonderful support from friends and family, an inspiration to others, shared compassion, strengthening prayers, numerous changing of plans, hair loss and living this whole painful, life-changing experience with his supportive, loving, caregiving wife, Sue. As one friend said, “Cancer sucks, but life wins; always has, always will. We live with the life we have. We fill it with the richness of knowing that each day is a blessing. Eventually we go beyond it into eternal life.”

Glenn and Sue have raised two children, Nathaniel and Rebecca. Nathaniel is a public defender here in Knoxville and Rebecca is a modern dancer, part of a dance troop in England. One of the reasons Glenn and Sue, his wife of 41 years, moved to Knoxville was because Nate and his wife, Jenn, live here with their first child, Alexander Glenn Evans.

Glenn grew up on the family farm in rural Eastern Long Island. Glenn was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and served four congregations in upstate New York for over forty years. Other activities included ten years as a part-time chaplain at a VA hospital, community college chaplain, community work with those living with HIV/AIDS, counselor with Planned Parenthood and almost 30 years as a volunteer firefighter.

He was active in his local denomination’s association of churches, holding many positions in that organization, and a longtime supporter of ecumenical activities. Hobbies included sailing, a Masters Team swimmer, camping, photography, travel and watching auto racing, especially NASCAR. Since moving to Knoxville, Glenn has been an active member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC).

Glenn is survived by his mother, Estelle Evans; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Pell; brother, James Evans; and two sisters, Gail Evans and Carol Soderholm. A Celebration of Life will be at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at TVUUC. The family will welcome friends at a light supper following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or to one of the UCC congregations with which he was associated with in upstate New York. Additionally, blooming landscaping plants may be donated to TVUUC to honor his memory by contacting the church. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.

This is a paid notice.