Thomas Moore Evins, Jr

Thomas Moore Evins Jr. passed away at age 85 at Granville Medical Center in Oxford N.C. on January 23, 2025.

Born on August 31, 1939, in Durham N.C., Tom was the oldest son of Grace Bowes of Rockingham N.C. and Thomas Moore Evins of Oxford N.C. He attended Woodberry Forest School, and the University of North Carolina, where he majored in Mathematics and played football and soccer. After graduating from UNC in 1961, Tom served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy until he was discharged in 1963 following the unexpected death of his father at age 48. Tom returned home to work in the family-owned leaf tobacco business, where he spent his entire working career. He served for 29 years at W. A. Adams Company, as president, member of the board of directors, and major owner. Standard Commercial Tobacco Company of Wilson, NC purchased W. A. Adams Company in 1992, and Tom served there as a senior officer and board member until his retirement in 1998. Tom was proud of the fact that Adams Company and its subsidiaries were a major employer in Oxford and Granville County and he greatly valued its employees. Through this work, Tom had friends and business associates worldwide. 

 Tom valued his role as a provider, but work was only one facet of his life. He loved spending time on the coast with his family and ardently supporting UNC basketball and football. He was a long time and faithful member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he served as a member of the vestry and choir and in numerous other leadership roles. He also served the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina as a property committee member.

 He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Cummings Evins, children, Anne Eden Evins of Concord, MA, Grace Gibbes Evins and wife, Katherine Sloan of Asheville, NC, Julia Jamieson Evins of Oxnard CA, and Thomas Moore Evins lll and wife, Chelsea Patrick of Gainesville FL, and grandchildren, Heloise and Henry Evins-Mackenzie, Beck Evins, and Murray McCosh; sister, Mary Evins Branch and husband, Jim, his brother, George Bowes Evins and wife, Betty and many nieces, cousins and friends from all aspects of his life too numerous to name.

 Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Service of Burial on Saturday, February 1st, at 3:00 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oxford with reception to follow at 115 Military Street in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 140 College Street, Oxford NC 27565.

Arrangements are entrusted to Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home, Oxford.