Frank Avery

William Frank Avery, 78, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the Courtyard Nursing Home in Fulton. Born on July 31, 1939 in Marion County, Alabama, he was a son of Estios and Bertha Crowe Avery. Growing up in Marion County, he was a 1957 graduate of Hamilton High School and he later married Joyce Lann on November 15, 1959. Prior to his retirement, he was a conductor for the Frisco Railroad, later Burlington Northern, for 28 years. Frank was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing or just sitting listening to the rain fall. Known as one who never met a stranger, he was a people person also enjoying visiting on the telephone with family and friends. He especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. Having dutifully served his country, he was a U.S. Army veteran following the Korean Conflict. Frank was a member of Smithville Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018 at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home in Amory with Bro. Wes White officiating. Burial will be in the Lovejoy Cemetery in Hamilton. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Joyce Avery of Smtihville; two sons, Jimmy Avery of Smithville and Kenny Avery (Katherine) of Smithville; one brother, Chester Avery of Smithville; two sisters, Marie Bishop (Wayne) of Hackelburg and Joyce Driver (Vertis) of Muscle Shoals; grandchildren, Jamie and Jennie Avery and Jonah Avery; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Rhonda Avery; grandson, Robert Luke Avery; and 4 sisters, Ila Mae Clement, Francis Hollis, Wilma McCarley, and Eanon Raye Thurman. Visitation will be from 1 until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at clevelandmoffettfuneralhome.com