World number 297 Evans has reached the Wimbledon third round on three occasions.
He won two ATP Tour-level titles and reached a career-high of 21 in the world rankings, and was also part of the British team that won the 2015 Davis Cup.
In 2024, Evans sacrificed the 500 ranking points he had won at the Washington Open the previous year to partner Sir Andy Murray for his final tournament at the Paris Olympics.
He was watched by a packed crowd at Roehampton on Monday and admitted nerves made him feeling like he was playing his first Wimbledon.
“I was very nervous at the start and especially at the end,” Evans added.
“I made the decision [to retire] and I’m happy with that but I’m not going to lie, in the matches on the grass it’s been difficult to keep my mind on the job.
“I’m really happy and proud of how I’ve come through that.”
Evans will face 28th seed Tristan Schoolkate next after the Australian beat Britain’s Johannus Monday 7-5 6-3.
Billy Harris and Oliver Tarvet, who reached the second round at Wimbledon last year, were also among the winners on the first day of qualifying.
Harris beat Italy’s Stefano Napolitano 6-2 6-2, while Tarvet was a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 winner against Alex Bolt of Australia.
Searle, watched on by Evans, also advanced, as did fellow Britons Paul Jubb and Max Basing.
Wimbledon begins on Monday, 29 June.
