Troy G. Avera, Sr.
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 Rev. Dr. Milton C. Gardner will officiate and interment is in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Avera died May 7 at his residence.
Troy Avera was born on Feb. 8, 1925 in Nashville, GA to 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. Troy weighted only 2 1/2 lbs., or 40 ounces, when he was born at home. His Grandmother Waters and his mother attended to Troy constantly the first several months to keep him alive. Troy 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 Troy came through his life. Not only did he survive against all odds for premature babies in 1925, Troy flourished. That tiny baby became a great and good man!
Troy 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, Troy joined Flowers Baking Company in 1950 as a route salesman in Tallahassee. He was promoted successively through the company and served as plant president in Opelika, 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, Troy 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.
Troy 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 Troy and Margaret were always a solid team. Troy 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, Troy 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. Troy 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, Troy 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, Troy would say, "You know that's a shame. They don't what they are missing in life!" Those who knew Troy 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.
Troy 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, Troy 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 mad" determination would show. Never physically strong, Troy's willpower was awesome to behold. He was a tough "No Baloney" man. He believed strongly in "doing what you say you will do" and he always delivered on a promise.
Troy simply thrilled in his grandchildren--Kevin, Tripp, Trent, Stephanie, Harrison, Leigh, and Hunter. As "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." Troy enjoyed telling friends about his grandchildren and their accomplishments. One of his sons remembers a time when Troy lingered a while with a friend in the grocery story. When asked who he was talking with, Troy 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. Troy 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.
Margaret and the family extend special thanks for their friends' attentions, thoughts, and especially prayers during the last several difficult weeks. They also thank Archbold Hospital, Dr. Brewer, and all the wonderful staff who took wonderful care of Troy and showed great compassion for all the family. Special thanks also go to Cynthia, Marilyn, Christine, Jimmie, and Kathy, the angels who became part of the Avera family as they served with devotion and compassion to take care of Troy and Margaret.
The Avera family expresses gratitude for the joy of having Troy in their lives. He was a godly man, a gentle man, and a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Margaret Avera survives her husband. Other survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Troy Garland, Jr. and Gretchen Avera of Monticello, Fla., Charles and Allyson Avera of Germantown, Tenn. and 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, the family requests that donations be made to the 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 at the funeral home on Friday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .
ALLEN & ALLEN FUNERAL HOME
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Troy Avera, Sr., please visit our flower store.
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 Rev. Dr. Milton C. Gardner will officiate and interment is in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mr. Avera died May 7 at his residence.
Troy Avera was born on Feb. 8, 1925 in Nashville, GA to 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. Troy weighted only 2 1/2 lbs., or 40 ounces, when he was born at home. His Grandmother Waters and his mother attended to Troy constantly the first several months to keep him alive. Troy 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 Troy came through his life. Not only did he survive against all odds for premature babies in 1925, Troy flourished. That tiny baby became a great and good man!
Troy 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, Troy joined Flowers Baking Company in 1950 as a route salesman in Tallahassee. He was promoted successively through the company and served as plant president in Opelika, 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, Troy 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.
Troy 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 Troy and Margaret were always a solid team. Troy 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, Troy 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. Troy 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, Troy 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, Troy would say, "You know that's a shame. They don't what they are missing in life!" Those who knew Troy 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.
Troy 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, Troy 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 mad" determination would show. Never physically strong, Troy's willpower was awesome to behold. He was a tough "No Baloney" man. He believed strongly in "doing what you say you will do" and he always delivered on a promise.
Troy simply thrilled in his grandchildren--Kevin, Tripp, Trent, Stephanie, Harrison, Leigh, and Hunter. As "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." Troy enjoyed telling friends about his grandchildren and their accomplishments. One of his sons remembers a time when Troy lingered a while with a friend in the grocery story. When asked who he was talking with, Troy 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. Troy 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.
Margaret and the family extend special thanks for their friends' attentions, thoughts, and especially prayers during the last several difficult weeks. They also thank Archbold Hospital, Dr. Brewer, and all the wonderful staff who took wonderful care of Troy and showed great compassion for all the family. Special thanks also go to Cynthia, Marilyn, Christine, Jimmie, and Kathy, the angels who became part of the Avera family as they served with devotion and compassion to take care of Troy and Margaret.
The Avera family expresses gratitude for the joy of having Troy in their lives. He was a godly man, a gentle man, and a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Margaret Avera survives her husband. Other survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Troy Garland, Jr. and Gretchen Avera of Monticello, Fla., Charles and Allyson Avera of Germantown, Tenn. and 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, the family requests that donations be made to the 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 at the funeral home on Friday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .
ALLEN & ALLEN FUNERAL HOME
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