JACKSONVILLE  -  Donald Ray "Donnie" Avery, 69, of Jacksonville, went home to be with Jesus, Saturday, December 21, 2024 at his home.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 4764 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville with Reverend Damon Williamson officiating.  The eulogy will be shared by Army Chaplain, Major Eric Avery.  Message by song will be shared by the Boy's from Bethlehem and The Four in Christ Quartet.  Donnie sang tenor with these two groups for many years. Donnie enjoyed singing for the glory of his Lord.   Interment will follow at the Bryan Family Cemetery, Jacksonville, being laid to rest with his parents and his brother.

Donnie was born August 18, 1955, in Jacksonville to the late JD and Nannie Lee Marshburn Avery.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Jennifer Horne Avery; brothers, Douglas Lee Avery, Harvey "Red" Avery, Sammy Avery, Alvin Avery; and a step-granddaughter, Brouke Olvera.   Donnie was a Driver's License Examiner with the great state of North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Bell Avery of the home; two brothers, Cecil Avery (Annie Faye) of Jacksonville and Roger Avery (Pam) of Jacksonville; three sisters-in-law, Alice Faye Avery of Jacksonville, Carol Avery of Jacksonville and Marilee Avery of Jacksonville; his first wife, Laura Bland Brown; stepchildren, Heather Whaley(Joey), Ross Rigdon and William Gray Holder (Jennifer);  two step-grandsons, Avery Padgett and Kerby Holder (Shannon); great-grandson, Miles David Holder; many nieces and nephews; like a brother, Delwood Silence (Sandra) of Jacksonville; and his fur babies, Bell Star and Junior.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Family Life Center, Bethlehem Baptist Church, 100 Half Moon Church Road, Jacksonville, NC 28546.