Robert Greg Evers

August 26, 2017

Senator Robert G. “Greg” Evers, of Baker, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Evers served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 and in the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2016. He was known for being an unwavering Second Amendment advocate, supporter of smaller government and a legislative champion for law enforcement, first responders and veterans. His distinguished legislative career was marked by his common sense and “get it done” approach.

A fifth-generation northwest Floridian, Greg’s roots ran deep in north Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. He was born in Milton on June 16, 1955, to high school sweethearts John Robert Evers and Rhanalda Jequita Holley Evers. He grew up on the family farm in Munson. Greg graduated from Jay High School in 1973, where he lettered in multiple sports and served as a statewide Vice-President for the Future Farmers of America; he later attended Pensacola Junior College. He was a lifelong member of Beaver Creek Baptist Church and a long-time member of the Beaver Creek Masonic Lodge No. 230.

Evers’ primary career was as a farmer, growing cotton, peanuts, soybeans and wheat. He also took over the Baker Farm Center upon his parents retirement and moved it to its current location. In 1991, Greg decided he wanted to learn to grow strawberries and Akers of Strawberries was born. He quickly nurtured his strawberry business from a shed to the largest u-pick strawberry patch north of Plant City. The flourishing of this enterprise became the highlight of his farming career; Greg absolutely loved watching families pick his berries and enjoy frozen yogurt and his “almost famous” strawberry shortcake.

Evers was known for his infectious smile, southern charm and perfect strawberries. His vast knowledge of agriculture combined with his steady demeanor and signature use of “sugar” as a greeting with his friends made him a magnetic force.

Evers loved his community and consistently found opportunities to contribute. He served as a member of the Milton Rotary Club, Crestview Lion’s Club, Okaloosa County Farm Service Agency, President of the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau, and Chairman of the Yellow River Soil & Water Conservation District.

Evers is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Leonard and Clyde Peaden Evers, his maternal grandparents William Thomas and Thelma Renfroe Holley, and his brother Thomas Jeffrey Evers.

Evers is survived by his parents, John and Jequita Evers; wife, Lori Weems Evers; children, Stephanie (Anthony) Barlow, Jennifer (Kendal) Wallace, and Robert (Marley) Evers; grandchildren, Alli, Rex, and Reece; brother, Eric (Michelle) Evers; sister, Kay (Tom) Dawson; nephews, Kyle (Lindi) and Christopher and niece, Kaylee; and great-nephew, Grayson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 28, 2017, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Milton. Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Milton on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, beginning at 1 p.m. Evers will be laid to rest at Beaver Creek Baptist Church.

Greg’s deepest wish was that his legacy of service continue for future generations. In honor of this wish, the Evers family asks that,in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Greg Evers Florida’s Heroes Memorial Fund at www.eversmemorialfund.com. The fund is used to provide education scholarships to the children of Florida law enforcement and fire rescue personnel who have fallen in the line of duty.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries