Nov 15, 2024Chop Evans, large Georgia pecan grower, dies
Chop Evans, a major Georgia pecan grower who grew pecans on thousand of central Georgia acres, has died.
Charles Baisden “Chop” Evans, Jr., died Nov. 6. He was 73.
Evans was president of Evans LLC in Fort Valley, Georgia, one of Georgia’s largest pecan operations.
Evans grew more than 7,000 acres of pecans in Peach, Houston and other central Georgia counties.
With bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia, Evans “brought a wealth of knowledge to his farming practices,” according to online obituaries. “Evans’ pecan orchards are fully irrigated, which reduces the need for disease treatments, supporting consistently high-quality yields. His business thrived on demand from international markets, particularly Asia, which valued the quality of Evans’ produce.”
The Georgia Pecan Growers Association issued this tribute on Nov. 14:
“It is with deepest sympathy to report the passing of our friend Charles “Chop” Evans, owner of Evans Farms. As a lifetime member of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, advocate for Georgia pecans, and caring soul, Chop will forever be remembered and missed. His service to this industry will not be forgotten. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of Chop.”
Evans is survived by his wife, Brenda Greer Evans of Fort Valley; his children, Charlie Evans (Caitlin) of Perry, Georgia, Elizabeth Evans Holton (Charles) of Albany, Georgia, Lee Evans (Katie), Alva Davis (Amy), and Katie Davis, all of Perry; a sister, Saralaine Millet of Tucson, Arizona; 11 grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Nov. 27 at his home at 1531 Evans Road in Fort Valley, with a reception afterward. All who wish to attend are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Fort Valley Methodist Church, 301 West Church Street, Fort Valley, GA 31030.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home of Perry has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Read more of Evans’ obituary here.
