“He was a very private person, but was without question one of the most generous and caring individuals I had the good fortune to know,” said W.J. (Dub) Evins, III of his uncle, the late Dan Evins.
The 76 year old founder of Cracker Barrel died Saturday in Lebanon and will soon be laid to rest following a private service.
Evins, according to Dub Evins, was born in Smithville in 1935. But a few years later, while still a young child, Evins and members of his family moved to Lebanon. While much attention has been given nationally in recent days of his accomplishments in starting the Cracker Barrel, Dub Evins said more focus should be placed on the man himself. “I really don’t know how to express how much he has meant to me over the years, but especially the past 7 or 8 years. Anyone can log on to their computer and see the headlines from the Chicago Sun Times, Washington Post, USA Today, MSNBC, FOX Business, and scores of other publications. All of these news sources report on his success and accomplishments as CEO of the company he founded with over 600 restaurants and 60,000 employees. He possessed a gift and had a vision like no one I have ever known. What was not emphasized was Danny Evins as a person,” said Dub Evins.
“He helped so many people in every way imaginable, never expecting anything in return. I have always felt so blessed to know that he was always there for me in so many different ways. He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. I am so grateful that his children, my cousins, welcomed me into their lives and afforded me the opportunity to spend time with him. One thing I can proudly say is that he was my friend, but most importantly, I was his friend also,” said Dub Evins.
“My father, Danny’s oldest brother, was very close to Danny and my heart goes out to him. This society lost a great businessman. I lost a mentor and very special friend. He cared deeply for me and I had a admiration for him that can not be put into words,” added Dub Evins
D. W. “Dan” Evins, born 11 October 1935 to W.J. “Dub” Evins & Estelle McCartney Evins, passed peacefully with his family on January 14, 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margarita, and his brother, E. W. “Eddie” Evins. He is survived by his brother, W.J. “Jack” Evins, sister, Myrtie Ann Evins Doak, his five children, Daina (Phillip) Warren, Meacham (LaDonna) Evins, Kate (Bob ) Page, Betsy (Bubba) Jennings, Joe Evins, and his thirteen grandchildren, Danny (Brooke) Warren, Will Warren, Mallory Jennings, Danny “Woody” Evins II, Sam Page, Madeline Jennings, Kathleen Evins, Maggie Page, Caroline Evins, Molly Jennings, Brian Evins, Merritt Jennings, and Donna Marie Evins. A private service will be held. If you would like to make a donation please do so at Joseph’s Storehouse (Lebanon, TN), The Nashville Rescue Mission (Nashville, TN), or a charity of your choice.
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