May 24, 1931 – April 10, 2023
Mr. William Henry, of 310 Amherst Drive, Petersburg, VA entered into a peaceful rest on April 10, 2023. He was born May 24, 1931 in Petersburg, VA to the late Patrick and Virginia Avery.
He was educated in the Petersburg Public School System
William was baptized at an early age and began his work ethics also, as an Iceman. He then went on to be employed at Goodyear for 20 years and later went to work for Brenco where he retired in 1995 after 25 years of service. William enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart. William served his country well and received an Honorable Discharge. William was known throughout “The Triangle” known as the Avenue and South Hill, VA for his famous hairstyle “The Process”. William was a well-known, well-loved man and sharp dressing man. He was specifically known for his Crayola colors of suits which earn him the name “GQ Avery”. He was known for his love of working in his yard and a lover of westerns. He was an avid fan of the Washington Commanders.
William was the manager of the singing R&B group, The Delfonics, where him and Major Harris became very close friends. William was a faithful, longtime member of The Elite Horseman, LTC where he served for over 50 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Virginia Avery; his eldest brother, Patrick Avery, Jr., Rochester Avery; baby brother, Carroll Avery and brother-in-law, Johnnie Russell, Sr.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving, dedicated, devoted wife and caregiver, Christine Avery for twenty-seven years; 11 children; Veronda Pitt (William), Benita Brown (Gerald), Marlene Cromartie, Lamone Avery all of Petersburg, VA; Delaine Fyre, Dianette Cook (Anthony), Darrell Avery all of Hopewell, VA; Angela Epps (Robert) of Prince George, VA; Marcus May of Arlington, VA; Delvon Avery of Austin, TX; and Avrina Blackwell-Smith of Las Vegas, NV; niece he raised as his daughter, Ershala Chavis of South Hill, VA; sisters, Ethel Harwell (Walter) of Oxon Hill, MD; Sylvia Russell of Fayetteville, NC; Helen Bush of Petersburg, VA; brothers: Walter Avery, Louis Avery both of Petersburg, VA; mother-in-law, Fairy L. Holmes of Petersburg, VA; sisters-in-law, Leona Ellsworth, Rose Winfield, Terraine Muhammad (Elijah), Rita Avery all of Petersburg, VA; Cartinia Cudjoe (Kenneth) of Condova, SC.
He was blessed with 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends and of his many cherished friends, to include his South Hill, VA family, a very cherished friend, Annette Avery.
Celebration of Life service will be held 12 P.M., Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA, 23805.Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, officiate and Rev. LaLatrelle Baker, eulogist.
The funeral arrangements for Mr. William H. Avery have been entrusted to the caring professionals at Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803 (804) 732-7841. Please keep the family in Prayer.
www.blandfuneralhomes.com