Elmer Ray Avery 70, of Riverdale passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018. He was a great guy with the best sense of humor and used his quick wit to make people laugh everywhere he went.
Ray was born and raised in Fayetteville, Ga. in 1947. A 1965 graduate of Fayette County High School, Ray was the youngest of 10 children born to The Rev. Charles Leslie and Jessie Avery. He grew up with the nickname “HotShot” and to his chagrin, had old friends and family using that moniker up until the day he died. He worked for Orkin Exterminating for 35 years and was known as “The Hired Killer” in Waffle Houses all over metro Atlanta. Retirement brought camping adventures with his wife, Betty, and he adored making his grandchildren laugh with jokes and a style only a Grandpa can deliver.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Riverdale, daughter, Michelle (Scott) Brown, of Fayetteville, son, Michael (LeeAnn), of Covington, step-son, Shawn (Tiffany) Hughes, of Acworth; grandchildren: Aaron Brown, Andrew Brown, Destiny Avery, Dylan Hughes, Jacob Avery, Avery Brown, and Molly Avery; great-grandson Chad Aguilera; sisters, Florence (Tommy) Trapp and Sandra Shelnutt, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Jr, Donald, and Walter, and sisters May Harris, Evelyn Bryan, and Francis Gelinas.
Ray’s family would like to thank many friends and co-workers for their acts of kindness and show of support in words & prayer in recent days.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 26, at 11 a.m. with a visitation for family and friends at 10 a.m. at Liberty Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Pastors Randy Wood (Liberty Baptist) and Ron Little (Tara Baptist) will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, call or hug your children and grandchildren, tell them a joke that makes you laugh and if necessary, honor Ray with a gift to your favorite charity.
