Willard Avery  was born on February 1, 1946 and he passed from this life on February 7, 2022 surrounded by family and friends.  He was the son of  Charlie & Ora Garner Avery.

He was a man of all trades, carpenter, vinyl siding, petroleum industry, furniture refurbishing, antiquing and picking, car sales man, mechanic, but most of all he was a musician. He rocked many pianos and stages from Chicago to New Orleans, from Oklahoma to the Virginia during the 60's &70's. Although he never made it to the big stage, he was influential to many. Many of his nephews, nieces, and grandchildren pick up the talent for musical instruments. He also played guitar, but piano was his favorite.

He enjoyed many Friday or Saturday nights out in Progress Mississippi , during the 70's and 80's on the family farm known as "Avery Hill" playing the piano while his brothers , nieces, other family members would join in with hand clapping, foot stomping, tambourine, spoons, guitars , whatever they could find to rattle and bang a tune on. Although he continued to play music throughout his life, those were the most active years. He loved to travel and was known for spur of the moment adventures.
He was baptized into the Christian faith at 10 years old. He was a member of Navilla Baptist Church. He was a believer in taking care of those less fortunate. He was known to give his last bite of bread or food to anyone who needed it. He is remembered for going out at night to help someone with car trouble, broke down, flat tires or even out of gas, at any given hour.

He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife Mary Lou Phelps; three brothers, Cassie, Kenneth, Charles; and two sisters, Charline Hutson and Jeanette Avery.

He is survived by his wife Rosella;  three daughters, Mary Evelyn(Les) Fortenberry, Sandie (Keith) Alford, Julie (James) Biggart; eight Grandchildren, Wyatt, Jesse & Mya Fortenberry, Kathaleena Landry, Zachary Shamp, Jonathan Alford, Hailey and Hayden Biggart, and a host of nieces, nephew, family and friends. He was also survived be one extremely special nephew , whom he was thick as thieves and tight as spandex with, Lamar "Marty" Rand. Those two were always into mischief and adventures!

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 11AM till time of services at 1PM at Sharkey Funeral Home. Bro. Trent Bilbo will officiate. Burial will be at Navilla Baptist Church Cemetery in McComb, MS.

Pallbearers will be Hayden Biggart, Zachary Shamp, Wyatt Fortenberry, Jesse Fortenberry, Curtis Russell, Connor Wallace, Christopher Wallace and Thomas Bishop. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mya Fortenberry, Hailey Biggart and Kathaleena Landry.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Hospice Compassus for their excellent care during his last days with us. Memorial Donations can be made to Compassus of Hospice, Navilla Baptist Church Children's Ministry or Navilla Baptist church Van & transportation ministry funds.

Please share condolences at Sharkeyfuneralhome.com