John Thomas Avery, age 91, passed away peacefully with family at his side at Briarcliff Medical Center, Greenville, Texas on September 28, 2024.  He was born on January 31, 1933, in Pecan Gap, Texas to Theo and Grace Sockwell Avery.

John attended school and grew up in Honey Grove, Texas. He was baptized at the Main Street Presbyterian Church and later became a member of the Commerce Methodist Church. He enlisted in the U S Air Force in 1951 and was stationed for four years at Geiger Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, serving as a jet plane crew chief until his discharge in late 1955.

John married Nell Cherry Ballman on November 16, 1972, and they lived in Garland, Texas until 1977 when they returned to the Commerce area where they owned and operated J & N Tires and Auto Supply store in Commerce and Cooper. John had previously worked as a Babcock Brothers store manager and outside area tire salesman for Goodyear. He retired in 1998 and enjoyed spending his time on the farm and raising cattle.

John is survived by his wife, Nell, his daughter, Cheryl and her husband, George Lacy; son, Jon and his wife Kim Bellman; grandsons, Blake and his wife Lisa Bellman, Brent and his wife Christy Bellman; great-grandchildren, Corgan, Ava, Addison and Will Bellman; sister-in-law, Jerry Avery and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rev. Richard Avery, sister-in-law, Sue Avery, brother, Clifton Avery, sister-in-law, Doris Avery, brother, Charles Avery, nephews, Stan Avery and Jake Avery.

The funeral service for Mr. Avery will be Thursday, October 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Owens Funeral Home, Wolfe City, with Pastor Brenda Williams officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. before the service.  Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.