Troy G. Avera Sr.

May 08, 2008 08:46 pm

— Services for Troy G. Avera Sr., 83, of Thomasville, are at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2008, at First Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Dan Spencer and the Rev. Dr. Milton C. Gardner will officiate and interment is in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Mr. Avera died May 7 at his residence. Born Feb. 8, 1925, in Nashville, he was a son of Ben C. Avera and Carrie Vera Avera. His father, who was a barber, cut hair in Nashville for over 40 years. His mother made a home for Troy and his three brothers, B.C., Webb and Russell. He weighed only 2 1/2 lbs., or 40 ounces, when he was born at home. His Grandmother Waters and his mother attended to him constantly the first several months to keep him alive. He was kept in a shoebox in an open dresser drawer for warmth — he was that small! The tiny pillow he was kept on those first months of life is a cherished family symbol of how far he came through his life. Not only did he survive against all odds for premature babies in 1925, he flourished. That tiny baby became a great and good man. He married Margaret Maxine Griffin of Alapaha, on Christmas day, in 1945. They shared more than 62 years of marriage and raised three sons. A well-respected businessman, he joined Flowers Baking Company in 1950 as a route salesman in Tallahassee, Fla. He was promoted successively through the company and served as plant president in Opelika, Ala., Atlanta, and Thomasville. He was appointed vice president of distribution for Flowers Industries in 1987, the position he held until his retirement in 1990. In February on his 83rd birthday, he told his family that he had been very fortunate in life. "I found Margaret and that was the best day's work I ever did. Flowers Baking Company found me. I have three fine sons with wonderful wives, seven beautiful grandchildren, and the best family a man could ever wish for," he said. He was gentle with all people, particularly his beloved wife Margaret to whom he was totally devoted as she was to him. With good natured humor, he often called Margaret his Commander and Chief. Their sons relate that their parents were always a solid team. Mr. Avera would attribute his success to her and Margaret would quickly agree. And, then, they along with the family would laugh until tears rolled. A very grateful man, he gave thanks daily to his God for his family, his friends and his company. Without fail, he mentioned these things in his prayers before each meal, serving as an inspiration to his family. By example, he taught his family the value of a grateful heart. He looked outwardly to other people and to their needs and desires. Even when he was very ill, he would sit suddenly up in his hospital bed in the middle of those long nights and with great effort ask, "Is Margaret all right? Who is with her? Who is looking after her?" of "How are the kids? Are they OK?" A Southern gentleman, he always showed respect for everyone, no matter their station. With a ready smile, he greeted everyone with good morning and he really meant it. When on occasion his greeting wasn't returned, he would say, "You know that's a shame. They don't what they are missing in life!" Those who knew him best remember his enjoyment of telling jokes, his genuine smile, his tendency to whistle a tune, and to walk with spring in his step when he was on a mission. He had a fighting spirit and he did not back away from life's challenges. When faced with a challenging situation in business, he did not brood or worry. Instead, he showed concern, gathered the facts and took action. When family challenges arose, he faced them the same way. His fighting spirit was most in evidence when a family member was affected. In defense of those he loved, his eyes would flash and his fighting ma" determination would show. Never physically strong, Troy's willpower was awesome to behold. He was a tough no bologna man. He believed strongly in doing what you say you will do and he always delivered on a promise. Mr. Avera simply thrilled in his grandchildren — Kevin, Tripp, Trent, Stephanie, Harrison, Leigh and Hunter. As a granddaddy, he took delight in time spent with them, in their efforts, their successes and their lives, and their opportunities. As a special message to his grandchildren, he said, "I'm an old man, but I always, always look to the future. I know each of you better than you can know, and I believe in you and the tremendous capabilities each of you has. The best gift you can receive in life is the blessing of a chance to do something — a chance to work, a chance to learn, to build and an opportunity to achieve something worthwhile. As you do those things, you will be happiest." He enjoyed telling friends about his grandchildren and their accomplishments. One of his sons remembers a time when he lingered a while with a friend in the grocery story. When asked who he was talking with, he said, "I don't really know, but I couldn't get away from him. He just wouldn't stop listening to me talk about my grandkids." Troy and Margaret love their church family at First Baptist Church. Their Sonshine Bible Class has been a huge part of their lives and gives them great joy and comfort. He carefully cultivated his relationship with Christ throughout his life and his family takes comfort in knowing he has achieved the reward he spent his life reaching for. He is now at home with Christ. The Avera family expresses gratitude for the joy of having he in their lives. He was a godly man, a gentle man, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Other survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Troy Garland Jr. , Gretchen Avera of Monticello, Fla., Charles and Allyson Avera of Germantown, Tenn., Stephen Russell and Anne Avera of Thomasville; grandchildren, Kevin Avera, Tripp Avera, Trent Avera, Stephanie Avera, Harrison Avera, Leigh Avera and Hunter Avera. He was preceded in death by brothers B. C. Avera Jr., Johnny Avera and Russell Avera. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society Inc., P.O. Box 1201, Albany, Ga. 31702; American Heart Association, P.O. Box 1999, Thomasville, Ga. 31799; Gideons International, P.O. Box 2361, Thomasville, Ga. 31799; Hospice of Southwest Georgia, 818 Gordon Ave., Thomasville, Ga. 31792; or to a charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., today at the funeral home. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com. — Allen & Allen Funeral