Mr. Billy Martin Avery Sr., age 78, a resident of Chocowinity, died Saturday, November 4, 2017 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Pamlico Memorial Gardens and will be officiated by Pastor Jerry Smith. Pallbearers will be William Avery, Paul Avery, Randy Avery, Willie Peele, Charles Worthington and Robert Sutton. James Sparks will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Mr. Avery was born in Craven County, NC on April 24, 1939 to the late William Alexander Avery Sr. and Ora Dell Avery. On January 31, 1966, he married Thelma Jane Hodges. He worked in construction for over 50 years and for the last 23 years he was co-owner at B and B Construction. Mr. Avery was an avid fisherman and hunter, a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Jane Hodges Avery, eight children, Nancy Berry and husband Herman of Washington, Carol Seamon and husband Darin of Plymouth, Billy Avery Jr. and wife Jennifer of Washington, Angela Sherwood of Chocowinity, Brian Avery and wife Lori of Chocowinity, Timothy Avery and wife Joy of Greenville, Billy Joe Avery and wife Tonya of Chocowinity, David Avery and wife Nicole of Washington; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters, Dallas Manning and husband Daniel of Grimesland, Patsy Powers and husband Albert of Chocowinity; and a brother, Louis Avery and wife Jean of Greenville.

He is preceded in death by a brother, William Alexander Avery Jr. and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Avery.

The family received friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Monday, November 6, 2017 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Billy M. Avery Sr. Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1465, Washington, NC 27889.

Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Avery family.