January 23, 1959 – September 6, 2025
Beaufort, S.C.
Edward Jeffrey Evans, 66, of Beaufort, S.C., died peacefully on Sept. 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Jeff was born on Jan. 23, 1959, to Edward and Leona Evans. An Army brat from San Francisco who grew up all over the world, he had many colorful careers before landing in Beaufort County over 30 years ago. While living in the Bay area, he worked as an actor with the Berkeley Shakespeare Company, restored Victorian homes (“Painted Ladies”), and served as a chef in a French restaurant.
In 1992, he made his way to Hilton Head Island, where he started a video production company, Seagate Productions, making hundreds of local commercials and other video projects. He later moved to Beaufort, and in 2000, he and his wife Margaret began publishing Lowcountry Weekly, which just celebrated 25 years in print. Six years ago, they acquired The Island News.
Jeff believed in the importance of local journalism, and that everybody should have access to the news, free of charge. He worked tirelessly at his publishing business. As a result, The Island News has won many awards from the S.C. Press Association, including the coveted President’s Award for 2022.
With his love of theatre, art, literature, and – his passion – photography, Jeff was a true Renaissance man. But he loved none of that as much as he loved his family … and Giants baseball.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Margaret Evans, 60, and their daughter, Amelia Evans, 24. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Leona Evans.
A 2001 graduate of Leadership Beaufort, Jeff served on the Beaufort Arts Council, the City A-Tax Committee (Chairman), and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. He was the founder and Artistic Director of Lowcountry Shakespeare, which produced Shakespeare in the Park for 12 years. He had recently been invited to join the S.C. Press Association’s Executive Committee and was looking forward to serving.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date. There is so much to celebrate. Jeff’s dry wit, intelligence, big heart and fierce commitment to everything he did will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Island News, P.O. Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901. www.yourislandnews.com
