Evan Wayne Wheary, 22, of Gainesville, Florida, who also spent much of his time in Fort White, Florida, passed away on March 21, 2026.

Evan lived life exactly how he wanted to. He was carefree, wild, and free, and never cared what anyone had to say about it. He lived every single day like it could be his last, doing what he loved and being exactly who he was. You could always find him out in the water fishing, crawfishing, snorkeling the river, or just being outside where he felt at home. He also loved capturing the beauty around him, often taking photos of the sky and sunsets.

More than anything, Evan loved his people. He loved spending time with his mom and his friends, and he showed up for the people he cared about every time. He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone, even when he didn't have much to give. He was protective, loyal, and the kind of person you knew you could count on no matter what.

Evan had a way of making people laugh even on their worst days. He brought a kind of energy that you just don't come across often, and being around him was something you didn't take for granted.

Evan is survived by his mother, Amy Manning; his father, Brian Wheary; his sisters, Brianna Wheary and Alle Wheary; his grandmothers, Catherine Harvey and Karen Wheary; Papa Dorrell (JB) Haneline; his aunts and uncles, Donna Harvey, Roxann & Michael Harvey, Sherry & Jack Jarrell, Chris Wheary, Larry Harvey, Laura Haws, and Lisa Zielinski ; his niece and nephews, Aylin Wheary, Michael Wheary Jr., and Remington Wheary; his godmother, Christian Smith ; and many cousins and close friends who loved him deeply.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert "Bob" Wheary; his older brother, Michael Wheary; his grandfather, Lawrence Harvey; and his great-grandmothers, Louise Evans and Alice Wettach.

There are no words that can really explain this kind of loss. Evan was deeply loved, and he will be missed more than anything by the people who knew him best. His memory will live on in every laugh, every river, every sunset, and every moment that reminds us of him