Carl Hardy Avery

Carl Hardy Avery, 72, of Blytheville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at his home.

He was born in Lepanto on March 29, 1943, to Charlie and Birdie Holmes Avery. He was of the Pentecostal faith and had often attended the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Revival Center.

Mr. Avery was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served two tours in Vietnam. He was a recipient of many medals, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was a factory worker who listed his position as machine operator, but actually he worked at many different jobs in the factory. He could do them all. He worked for the same factory for 43 years, even though the business sold and changed hands many times. He rarely missed work. Carl would be waiting at the gate to get in each morning when the boss came to open up. His supervisor of 25 years said Carl was the hardest and most dependable worker he ever had. He was a fanatic about being somewhere before he was due there. If you were on time, then he considered you to be late.

He loved working in the yard and kept it immaculate. Riding around in his truck was one of his favorite things to do. The grandchildren loved going with him. They were very special to him. When they were little, he would come in tired from work and lie down on the bed and let the girls paint his fingernails, put curlers in his hair and put makeup on him. He always went to their birthday parties if at all possible. He was a perfect grandpa or "Pop."

He enjoyed Western movies, Dr. Pepper and classic cars. He said he didn't like dogs, but he had several and always made sure his "babies" were fed. He was a gentleman, and he was a gentle man. When he wanted to get on to his wife about something, he would call one of the grown children and have them "get on to her" so he wouldn't have to. She said he was always good to her and took care of her even when he was sick.

He was very family-oriented. His wife said she never met a better man. The children called him their "hero." The grandchildren called him their best friend. He felt at home at his home or at his children's homes. He was loved and respected by a lot of people.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sheronette Avery of Blytheville;

Five sons, Bobby Avery of St. Louis, Christopher Avery (and Elizabeth) of Jonesboro, Carl Wayne Avery (and Jessica) of Paragould, Brad Avery (and Rachel) of Blytheville and William Green (and Suzanne) of Blytheville;

Four daughters, Patchelia (Patches) and Bobby Pierce of Luxora, Nina Binkard (and Terry) of Gosnell, Connie Farrow (and Ira Sr.) of Gosnell and Renae Foreman (and Gerald) of Canton, Illinois;

Three brothers, Harvey Avery of Lepanto, Jimmy (and Pat) Avery of Blytheville and Clifford Avery (and Rosey) of Ingleside, Texas; and

Three sisters, Eloise Stokes (and James) of Etowah, Rita Miller (and Donald) of Lepanto and Freda Smith (and Channing) of Blytheville.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Carney Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mitchell King Jr. officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Carney Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Carney Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.