Granby Obituary: William Avery, Jr., 92

William K. Avery, Jr. (Ken) went home to be with his Lord early Saturday morning, November 12, 2016 at the age of 92.

Ken was a lifelong resident of Granby, living on Manitook Lake.

He is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann, and son Mark and his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Anna.

Ken was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and loved the Lord. Ken had many lasting friendships at work, church, and among his extended family. He loved to use his skills to quietly serve others. He had a dry, Yankee sense of humor, and smiled often. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

After attending New England Aircraft School in Boston, Ken served in the United States Army Air Corps, at the end of WWII, as an airplane mechanic. He travelled by troop carrier through the Suez Canal and flew "Over the Hump" to the Far East, ending in Japan. Thus began his lifelong interest in aviation—as the pilot/owner of "Roger," a Piper Tri-Pacer.

In the tradition of the Avery family, Ken was a volunteer firefighter with the Lost Acres Fire Department. He even drove a fire truck to a small brush fire at his own house.

Ken's family will hold a Celebration of Life Service next summer, in Granby.

Memorial donations may be made in Ken's memory to the Jungle Aviation and Radio Repair Service (JAARS) where he and his wife Anna volunteered after their retirement. Please send donations to JAARS, PO Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28173 or online at www.jaars.org.

Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home has care of his arrangements.