Obituary of John Franklin Avery

John Avery, called +óGé¼-£Peepaw+óGé¼Gäó by his children and grandchildren, was called Home to eternal rest by his Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ on the evening of July 14, 2015. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at Palm Bay Hospital, having been broken hearted at his wife+óGé¼Gäós departure to Heaven, only 6 months prior. John was born on May 28, 1945 to the late Lincoln Avery and Hildegarde Westfall Avery in Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from George Washington High School and attended Chowan College, before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1965. He served as a Radio Intercept Operator in Italy and Libya during the Vietnam War, receiving the rank of Airman 1st Class and an Honorable Discharge in 1971. John served for 27 years in the Alexandria Police Department, where he also met and married Martha Jean (Jeanie, Geeya) Padgett Avery in October of 1974. Together, they lovingly raised their 3 children Scott W. Avery, Jennifer L. Avery Wilson, and Alicia A. Avery-Shuey, before moving to Melbourne, FL in the year 2000. He worked for the Mercedes-Benz of Melbourne dealership for 9 years as a courtesy driver. John was exceptionally proud of his 5 grandchildren, Gannon Avery, Destin Avery-Shuey, Isabelle Wilson, Gabrielle Wilson, and Elise Wilson. He was always the first to volunteer for endless games of chess, Connect 4, Go-Fish, Candyland, or a swim in the pool with the grandkids. They also will remember his funny jokes, nose wiggling, and famous “Donald Duck” voice. John also enjoyed working on his old Ford Model A cars, relaxing on the beach, fishing, and enjoying a cold beverage in the garage. He will be remembered best for his jovial attitude, playful antics, and very generous spirit. A private memorial service is being planned for the family in Duncannon, PA , where he will be buried with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alexandria Police Association P.O. Box 1228, Alexandria, VA 22313-1228