Dick Evey obit

Former Bears lineman Dick Evey passes away

 

He was not on the list.

Former Bears defense lineman Dick Evey, the team's first-round draft pick in 1964, passed away Thursday at Ben Atchley State Veterans Home in Knoxville, Tenn., after a long illness. He was 72.

Dick Evey A defensive end and tackle, Evey appeared in 82 games over six seasons with the Bears from 1964-69 after being selected with the 14th overall pick in the draft. He finished his NFL career by playing for the Los Angeles Rams in 1970 and Detroit Lions in 1971. He played college ball for the Tenessee Volunteers.

After his playing career, Evey worked in real estate development and residential construction in Blount County (Tenn.) and was involved in the restoration of historic Perry's Mill.

A celebration of Evey's life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smithview Pavillion, located at 601 Smithview Drive in Mayville, Tenn.

He played most of his career with the Chicago Bears. After his football career, Evey became a land developer in Blount County, Tennessee, where he was involved in restoring historic Perry's Mill, a working gristmill in Walland, Tennessee.

He was traded from the Bears to the Rams for Ron Smith and Jim Seymour on September 1, 1970.

He played in 82 games for the team over six seasons, then finished his career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1970 and the Detroit Lions in 1971.

He played during a dark era of Bears football. The team went 34-47-3 and never made the postseason during his tenure. He recovered six fumbles and had two interceptions for the Bears.

"He left nothing in the tank," Bears teammate Ed O'Bradovich said. "He gave it everything he had, every play, every game. He was a good Bear, a damn good football player."