Joel Kent Evans, age 78 of Umatilla, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2021. Joel was born in Oak Hill, WV and moved to Minden when he was 3 years old. He had such fond memories of his childhood there living near the coal mines. He graduated from Collins High School in 1961 and attended many of his high school reunions proudly wearing his letterman sweater.
Joel will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, ambition, sense of humor, generosity, and mentorship to many throughout his career. After graduating from WVIT, Joel became a teacher in Fayette County for over 5 years and his name is featured in a book of teachers in the one room school house museum located in Ansted.
In 1970, he began working for Gillette as the Regional Sales Manager in the NY district in the toiletries division. He quickly advanced and was named the Eastern Regional Sales Manager of the newly organized Plant Care division in Boston. This appointment made him the youngest regional manager in the Gillette Company’s history.
In the mid 70’s Joel moved to South Florida and began working for United Brands. Some years later he started working for Scott’s Hyponex, and then recently retired as the National Account Manager at Old Castle Lawn and Garden. He also enjoyed working as a county mediator certified by the Supreme Court of Florida for the past 12 years.
He is survived by his life partner, Eloise Webster; 2 daughters, Jessica (Nicki) O’Neill and Christina (Tina) Franco; Sister, Judy Tracy and brother, Jeffrey Evans; as well as 7 beloved grandchildren.
To honor Joel, the family will receive friends from 12-1pm followed by a celebration of life service on Friday, July 30th at Beyers Funeral Home in Umatilla, FL. Joel ‘s final resting place will be at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill, WV. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mountain View Church of God, PO Box 1246 Oak Hill, WV 25901.
There will be a Graveside Burial for Joel at 12:00 P.M. on October 23, 2021 at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill, WV.