Dick Evey Memorial
Richard T. “Dick” Evey, age 72, passed away May 23rd at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Knoxville, TN after a long illness. Mr. Evey, a resident of Maryville, TN for forty-three years, was born on February 13, 1941, in State College, PA to Homer and Ethel Evey. After being a high school football standout in Springfield, OH he was recruited to play for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a Volunteer from 1960 to 1963 and was named an All-American. After graduating from UT, he was a first round draft choice for the National Football League’s Chicago Bears in 1964. He played defensive end and tackle for the Bears for six years before finishing out his career with the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, and the World Football League.
Having married his college sweetheart, Wilma Donnelly, a resident of Maryville, Dick settled in Blount County to work in real estate development and residential construction. A special project of his was the restoration of the historic Perry’s Mill in Walland, TN. He was active in the community, especially in Oak View where he spent much time on his farm and could often be found carrying railroad ties, clearing roads, and helping his neighbors. Dick was blessed with an abundance of friends both in the past and in the present.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed trips to South Dakota for pheasant hunting, to Canada and Alaska for fishing, and to Colorado and Wyoming to see the Rocky Mountains. Dick served in the Army National Guard during the Chicago riots and then transferred to the 134th Air Refueling Group in Knoxville. He loved this great country we live in and all it stands for.
A Christian, Dick truly enjoyed his life and has now gone to his reward in heaven. He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ethel Evey, sister Mary, and brother Charles. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Kristi and Scott Satterfield of Maryville, Sherri and John Kenny of Knoxville, granddaughters Eveyand Sarah Satterfield and Erin and Susan Kenny, former wife and mother of his children, Wilma Donnelly Evey, sisters Marion McClanahan of Springfield, OH and Janet Crum of Louisa, KY, nephews and nieces Cliff Crum, Chris Crum, Rick Crum ,Christa Crum Lyons, Vickie Bishop Calloway, Michael Bishop and Karen Asic Thurmond. He also leaves behind his beloved companion of fourteen years Virginia Turner and very special friends and loyal caregivers Frank Linginfelter and Edva Volny.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff of the Ben Atchley State Veteran’s Home in Knoxville for their loving care for the last six years. The family also wishes to thank the staff of the 9 East floor of UT Hospital for their excellent care during Dick’s illness. The assistance provided by the NFL in the form of The 88 Plan was invaluable. As for services, a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 11 am to 2 pm at Smithview Pavillion located at 601 Smithview Drive, Maryville, TN 37803.
A barbecue buffet will be served and memories shared. Everyone is invited to attend. Reverend Jerry Russell will officiate the brief service starting at 2 pm. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. You can share your memories and condolences at www.SmithMaryville.com