Obituary For Mr. Christopher Avery

Avery, Mr. Christopher W., a resident of Lanett, AL, died Monday, September 30, 2019 at EAMC-Lanier Memorial Hospital, Valley, AL.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. (EST) from Zion Rest Heard Center, Valley, AL, Rev. Frederick Stanley, Pastor, Rev. Tony Avery, Officiant and Bishop Micah Bonner, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Cusseta, AL. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. from Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

Christopher “Paw Paw” Avery was born on May 31, 1965, to the parents of the late Calvin and Sarah Avery in Valley, AL. In early childhood, he began to profess Christ at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church of Cusseta, AL, under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Thomas.

Christopher was known for his fantastic voice and humble spirit. He began singing professionally for the Dixie Harmoneers in the late ’70s, then The Sons of Harmoneers, where he signed with Shurefine Gospel Label where they released “Mr. Undertaker Man,” “Saved by Grace,” and “Angels Watching Over Me.” His most famous song written was “I’m Holding On.” In 1989, the Sons of Harmoneers, later converted to an all-black country band called the Wheels, became the house band for “Hideaway Lounge,” also known as “Jackie Lee’s.” By the early ’90s, he traveled coast to coast and internationally from Canada to Europe. He was afforded the opportunity to record at Muscle Shoals Studio’s, RCA Studios, Warner Brother Studios and signed to Asylum Records, but ultimately chose to come off the road to take care of his family. He began his first manual job at Valley Jr as a custodian. He was employed at Martex-West Point Stevens and Wal-Mart Distribution Center, which was his last job of 16 years. He continued his walk with Christ at Liberation Christian Ministries International under the leadership of Bishop Micah Bonner. He served faithfully and humbly for 15 years as Elder, Praise and Worship Leader, Overseer of the Men’s Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Deacon Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Instructor for Leadership Training and Armor Bearer to the pastors of the house.

He is preceded in death by his parents and eldest sister, Gwenevere Rudd. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Francine Avery, three children, Chiquitta (Javier) Avery-Easter, Torrance (Serena) Rudd, and Demetrius (Whitney) Rudd and six grandchildren: Trinity Guice, Taysean Darden, Hezekyah Avery, Gabrielle Rudd, Andrew Rudd and Masiyah Murphy. He also leaves behind three siblings: Alfred (Juanita) Avery, Meriel and Adrian Avery, as well as his lovely nieces and nephews, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. He also leaves behind his loving in-laws, Arthur & Gertha Rudd.

Services

Guest Book

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 We are praying for each of you today and the days ahead, May you feel God's presence and know he is there.

- Luann Heath

My thoughts and prayers are with the Avery and Rudd family...Please continue to trust in God for comfort, strength and peace. Wanda D. Burton

- Wanda D. Burton