Donald "Duck" Evans

It is with heavy hearts yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Donald "Duck" Evans, who left this world peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on September 5, 2026. Born on October 6, 1952, in Atlanta, GA, Donald graced the lives of countless individuals with his wisdom, warmth, and unyielding spirit. Though Donald never married, he was blessed with significant love interests throughout his life, forming deep connections and sharing love that transcended traditional titles. He attended Samuel Howard Archer High School in Atlanta, where he participated in ROTC, and later a trade school for bookkeeping. He worked alongside his grandmother, affectionately known as the Candy Lady, selling goodies to the community. Duck had many passions. A fiery fan of the Falcons, Hawks, and UGA, he possessed a knowledge of sports rivaling that of professional commentators. His love for music was a constant and his collection vast. He enjoyed cooking, playing cards, and spending quality time with others. In young adulthood, Duck drove a long, sleek sky-blue Elite, traveled to other states, and cruised the seas with his older brother Ronald. Later in life, Donald continued to explore the world through the pages of local newspapers from various cities and watched local and world news daily. In his later years, Duck became a movie buff of Korean Dramas, zombie and vampire movies, epics, and action. Without question, Duck was a man of great character, intelligent, resourceful, kind, and courageous. Donald never complained about the challenges he faced but instead embraced life with grace and tenacity. "He was my hero," his sister Donna shared. Known for his infectious smile and good humor, he was also a source of sound advice and thoughtful conversation, bringing light to those around him. His generous spirit was evident by his warm welcome of visitors and good conversation, day or night. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers Willie C. Calhoun and Ruth Dean, his beloved mother Willie Ruth Goolsby and stepfather Johnnie Goolsby, his eldest brother Ronald Evans, his younger sisters Avis Evans-Banks and Jasmine Goolsby, brothers-in-law Ronald Alexander and Kenneth L. Mayson, and nephew Christopher. Yet, his legacy continues through his surviving siblings, Donna E. Alexander, Dolores E. Mayson, Jayrene M. Goolsby, Janice M. Goolsby, Janine Goolsby-Soles, and brother Jarvis M. Goolsby, Sr., and 24 nieces and nephews- Shunasee B. Evans, Brianna Evans, Nikita Evans (Ronald), Jarda A. Alexander (Donna), Duke L. Banks, Antonio M. Williams, LaDonna L. Evans, Javien K. Evans (Dolores), Darryl Lawerence, Jemiah Banks (Avis), Andriea S. Thomas, Lonnie Heard Jr. (Jayrene), Lucas Bennett Jr., Yolanda Bennett, Stacy Bennett, Ashley Goolsby, Raymundo Davis, DeJaun Davis, Donnell Boyd Jr. (Janice), Michael J. Soles (Janine), Alexander Stinchcomb, Alexis T. Goolsby, Jarvis M. Goolsby Jr., Meoshee A. Handspike (Jarvie Sr.), and 30 great-nieces and nephews who carry forward his laughter, wisdom, and love. He will remain in our hearts and memory forever. Rest in peace, Donald Evans "Esquire." We will miss you dearly.