Charles “Bennie” Evick, 85, of Franklin went to his heavenly home on Dec. 24, 2024, while a patient at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
He was born Nov. 23, 1939, at the Evick home on Dickenson Mountain, Franklin, and was the son of the late William Fred Evick and Mary Edith (Hoover) Evick.
Mr. Evick’s hands were well acquainted with farm work on the family farm from an early age. After high school, he was an orchard worker in the Shenandoah Valley. He worked at Western Auto from 1960 – 1981, while also maintaining a farm for Jeff Bowman. He then worked at the Reeds Creek Fish Hatchery, where he was nicknamed “Doc,” for 20.5 years before retiring in March of 2003. He then did appliance repair for Sears and owned and operated Evick’s Repair.
He was a faithful and devoted member of the Smith Creek Church of the Brethren, where he sang in the church choir and served in various roles as trustee, deacon, and member of the ministerial committee. His many years of stewardship was recently celebrated with a special recognition by the church.
He was a charter member of the Franklin Ruritan Club, serving in many offices and leadership capacities during his 57 years with the club.
He enjoyed traveling, hunting that included nights out with his sons and coon dogs, trapping, gardening, counting cardinals, sports, especially cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and the West Virginia University Mountaineers, and most of all, spending time with his family.
On Aug. 6, 1961, he married Mary Alice Simmons Evick, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Kimberly Mohler (Brian) of Lovettsville, Virginia; a son, Charles Steven “Steve” Evick (Sharon) of Hamilton, Virginia; a sister, Nina Josephine “Jody” Olkowski (Ed) of Wilmington, Delaware; a brother, Ernest Coatney “Cody” Evick (Helen) of Franklin; a daughter-in-law, Laura Evick of Bridgewater, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Julia Ann Evick of Bridgewater, Virginia, and Alma Mae Evick Mallow of Franklin; four grandchildren, Madison Faith Evick, Kyle David Evick, Cole Brian Mohler and Bree Kimberly Mohler; and a number of nieces and nephews, who were special to him.
He was also preceded in death by a son, David Lynn Evick; four brothers, William Frederick Evick, Richard Franklin Evick, Buddy Lee Evick and John Anthony Evick; and three sisters, Norma Arlene Swadley, Etta Margaret “Bunny” Lambert and Mary Carolyn Keplinger.
A funeral service was held Saturday in the chapel of the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin with Pastor David Morris and Pastor Dan Ludwick officiating. Interment was at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorials may be made to Smith Creek Church of the Brethren, 182 Goshen View Lane, Franklin, WV 26807.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
