In the early morning of Thursday, July 2, 2026, “Poppie”, Billy Ray Evans, age 83, formerly of Williamson, WV, umpired his last game and will forever have the best seat for a football, softball, baseball, or basketball game. A true Redskin fan, he leaves behind many titles of husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, coach, umpire, and entrepreneur. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Rene; granddaughter, Rachael; beloved son-in-law, Dennis Ross; and in July 2024, his beloved wife, “Nana” Jo Evans.

Although he was a “dumb ol’ country boy from West Virginia” as he liked to say, he was a successful businessman, a Past Master and lifetime 32nd Degree Mason of Army Navy Lodge #305, Commissioner of the Peninsula Umpire Association, and supported his wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and three great grandsons with love in all their endeavors and dreams.

In 1962, he relocated to Hampton, VA to work for Southland (7-11) Corporation, and later opened Westend Market in Downtown Hampton and Newport News. In 1976, he opened Little E Food Store in Buckroe serving the community for over 50 years.

Throughout the 1970’s, he coached football for Phillips Athletic Association enriching the lives of young men, while his wife was a cheerleading coach. He also began to officiate football, basketball, and softball, eventually leading to coaching both of his daughters in softball and basketball. In 1980, he, along with several other sports leaders in the area, began the softball programs for Hampton City Schools. He always believed everyone should be given a chance and made many dreams come true.

In addition to supporting his daughters, grandchildren and other youth on a field or court, he always supported his daughters and granddaughters in dance having the best seat in the auditorium pulling the curtains for Betty Smith School of Dance for over 35 years. He has pulled his last curtain!

Poppie B took immense pride in the lives and achievements of his four grandchildren and three great-grandsons. Affectionately known as Bill, “Mr. E”, or simply "Pop" by an extended family of friends, he cultivated a legacy of warmth and kindness that extended far beyond blood.

Poppie B leaves behind his daughters Dawn E. Ross and Jean E. Parra with son-in-law Robby Parra; grandchildren Lindsay & Joe Ingraham, Wade & Rachelle Ross, Tiffany & Jackson Guthrie, and Natalie Parra (Sean Ferris); great-grandsons Caden and Miles Ingraham and Noah Ross. Additionally, he is survived by his cousin Donna Sue and Rodney England of Fort Wayne, IN; his sister-in-law, Sandra White; his West Virginia family; and his loyal Little E’s family.

The family is incredibly grateful to Nurse Angela of Amedysis Home Health for her friendship and dedication over many years. The family is extremely appreciative of the compassionate teams at the Commonwealth at the Devonshire and Suncrest Hospice for their dedicated care and support throughout Dad’s journey. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Parklawn Memorial Park at 3:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters or a charity of your choice, with a simple request: whenever you watch your favorite sport, especially the Redskins, enjoy a hot dog, or have your favorite dessert, remember Poppie B with love.