William H. “Bill” Evans, 69, of Savannah took his final ride on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Auburn Community Hospital.
Born December 21, 1956, in Harrisville, New York, Bill was the son of the late Harold and Ina VanDyke Evans. A 1974 graduate of Port Byron High School, he went on to spend more than thirty years as a proud lineman with IBEW Local 1249 — climbing poles, braving storms, and doing the kind of hard, honest work that defined the man he was.
Bill lived the rockstar life and loved just as hard. He was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back, tell you the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not, and show up whenever someone needed a hand. He rode his Harley like he was born to it, found his peace with a fishing pole in his hand, and never turned down the call of the open road.
He was loud in his laughter, big in his stories, stubborn in his opinions, and unforgettable to everyone who knew him. But the real heart of Bill’s world was his family. Nothing meant more to him than time spent with his children and grandchildren. They were his pride, his joy, and his greatest legacy. He didn’t just pass through life — he made his mark on it. And he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Rosemarie McDowell Evans; daughter Cheryl Evans; "bonus daughter" Trina Pollard; one brother Harold "Bubba" Evans (Linda); sisters Ellen Sitterly, Cindy VanArsdale (Tony), Dale Karlik (Dan), Dorothy Guthrie (Wes), and Julee Jorgenson (David); grandchildren Isabella, Vince, and Roman; his grand-puppy Nala; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by one son Stephen Evans in 1984; and sisters Judy and Joyce.
A celebration of life will be offered at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are with White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., Auburn.
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