Selma's former Mayor George Evans passed away on Monday at age 78.

Tributes for Evans have poured in as the Selma community mourns the loss of a well-loved leader in many facets of the city, from government to education and athletics.

Evans served two terms as Selma’s mayor after serving two terms as Selma’s first Black city council president. He was also Dallas County’s first Black superintendent of education.

A lifelong athlete, Evans was a renowned college basketball referee and an avid golfer. His athletic prowess earned him a football scholarship that took him to Kansas, where he earned an education degree and met his wife Jeanne. They had three children.

Evans later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of West Alabama.

Evans was mayor of Selma from 2008 to 2016, when he failed to make the runoff between Darrio Melton and James Perkins Jr. Melton won that election.

The city’s civic center is named in honor of Evans.

The City of Selma sent this message: 

"It is with great sadness that the City of Selma, Alabama, acknowledges the passing of the Honorable George Patrick Evans. The Honorable Evans was the first African-American to be elected City Council President of Selma, Alabama in the year 2000 and was elected Mayor of the City in 2008 where he served for eight years. He passed away on May 15, 2023. The Honorable Evans was a valued member of our City who continued serving right up to the end. He will be missed. Please keep the Evans family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time. The Honorable George Patrick Evans’ funeral arrangements will be announced by the family."

Alabama Sen. Robert Stewart said:

“I stand in solidarity with our community as we mourn the transition of the honorable George Evans. He was a model citizen, civic leader, and educator. For me personally, he was mentor, neighbor, friend, and brother who truly believed in propelling young people. His positive impact will be felt for generations yet to come. He will be sorely missed.”

US Rep. Terri Sewell, a Selma native, sent condolences Monday night.

“Today, the City of Selma lost a giant. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the family on the passing of George P. Evans, the former two-term Mayor of Selma. From being Dallas County’s first Black school board superintendent to his 16 years of public service as President of the Selma City Council and then as Mayor, Evans led by example through his hard work, perseverance, grit, and kindness. 

“During his tenure as Mayor, he partnered with my office to create jobs and bring vital federal resources home to Selma and Dallas County. From his demonstrated efforts to revitalize downtown Selma to his dedicated commitment to making our community stronger and safer, Mayor Evans fought hard to improve the lives of the people he served.

“I will never forget the honor of standing alongside Mayor Evans and President Obama at the foot of the Selma bridge to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March, as the Mayor welcomed the world to his beloved hometown.

“I have known Mayor Evans all my life and he has always been a strong voice and a tireless fighter for the people of Selma. He loved his family, his church, his city, and most of all, he loved people. His public service has left an indelible imprint on Selma and he will be missed. Let us find comfort knowing that his incredible legacy will live on in the many people he touched. May he rest in peace and power.”

Perry County Commission Chairman Albert Turner Jr. posted this on social media Tuesday morning:

"Mayor Evans was the two-term Mayor of the Queen City of Selma, Alabama. (2008-2016), Mayor Evans also served as President of the Selma City Council and Superintendent of the Dallas County School System. Mayor Evans was among the most influential African Americans in basketball officiating in Alabama and the Southeast.
One of Mayor Evans's most proud accomplishments was his annual golf tournament aiding special needs children. Chairman Turner noted that Mayor Evans's charitable event to support special needs children through various agencies raised thousands of dollars for Dallas County. The Chairman said he and Mayor Evans had agreed to expand the service area of the event into nearby Perry County. Last year Mayor Evans presented Chairman Turner and Director of Accounting for Perry County Ronita Wade certificates of appreciation for their service to the tournament. Turner said he looks to join Mrs. Jennie Evans in making the charitable event more significant throughout the Black Belt to continue the legacy of George P Evans. Mayor Evans supported above the norm the Special Education Program during his tenure as Superintendent of Dallas County Schools.
Chairman Turner said his friendship caused him to visit UAB Hospital on Monday after landing in Birmingham from Chicago hours before Mayor Evans's passing. Turner said, "I spoke with his wife, who was dutifully by his side in every endeavor Mayor Evans undertook even at his death, and his son Byron.
"I am at peace; I accept God's Will as he did not suffer long: that was my prayer as I left."

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reflected on Evans’ legacy of community and public service in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“George Evans was one of those rare individuals who tirelessly served his community without fanfare,” said Tafeni English-Relf, director of the SPLC’s Alabama State Office. “As Dallas County’s first Black school superintendent and later Selma’s first Black city council president and mayor, Mr. Evans was always passionate about moving Selma forward.

“Mr. Evans led in ways we hope all public servants would. The SPLC extends our deepest sympathy to his family, loved ones, and residents of Selma.”

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