John Byron Avera

John Byron Avera, Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of LTC John B. Avera Jr., 91, a devoted father, husband, and officer in the United States Army (Ret.), who passed away on August 28, 2025. His wife, "Charity" Gayl (Abercrombie) Avera, who preceded him in death on May 11, 2017, will be interned with him. Born on August 11, 1934, in Atlanta, GA, John was the son of the late Dr. John B. and Elise (Spooner) Avera. Charity was born in Gainesville, GA on February 15, 1936.

John served over 22 years with the U.S. Army. Throughout his career, he held numerous key positions and participated in critical missions that reflected his steadfast dedication to the values of duty, honor, and country. The service to his country spanned three continents, including tours in Vietnam, as well as assignments in Germany and Hawaii, where he traveled all over the world during his time with CINCPAC. John earned many commendations and medals during his distinguished military career, which include the Vietnam Service Medal, The Bonze Star with V device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, 2 The Air Metals, National Defense Service Medal, RVN Camp Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal, (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal with Bronze Star, (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, RVN Quartermaster Medal, RVN Staff Service Medal 1st Class, Joint Service Commendation Medal, 2 Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Rifle, Expert Field Artillery Gunner signifying his exceptional contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces.

During their 62-year marriage Charity was the exemplary Army wife who won Military Wife of the year at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Further to her character, during her life Charity gave back to the community by serving as President of NAMI for the State of Alabama, a member of several Episcopal Church vestries, Regional Girl Scout Leader for the State of Arkansas, as well as other positions too numerous to mention here.

While stationed in Hawaii, John and Charity earned master's degrees from Pepperdine University, enhancing their expertise and leadership capabilities through rigorous graduate study. Further exemplifying a commitment to academic and professional excellence, John achieved a PhD from the University of Southern California.

Following an honorable military career, John transitioned successfully into the aerospace and defense industry, bringing his leadership skills, discipline, and technical expertise to world-leading companies. Beginning at Boeing, he helped retro fit the B-52 bomber and worked on other programs embracing opportunities designed to leverage military experience in civilian roles, contributing significantly to projects that enhanced aviation and innovation. After a meaningful tenure at Boeing, John advanced his career at GE, where he applied extensive knowledge of military systems and engineering to help develop CASS. GE was eventually sold to Lockheed forming Lockheed Martin where John managed DOD contracts in Huntsville, AL.

John had a lifelong love of conservation and the outdoors which he enjoyed through hunting and fishing wherever he and Charity lived, and they loved driving their RV to many destinations all over North America. John and Charity were fun, engaging, and left a lasting impression on those they encountered throughout their life. Those who got to enjoy Charity's biscuits and gravy with fried quail during a hunting trip were very lucky indeed.

Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, John was a beloved family member, friend, and mentor who touched many lives. John and Charity are survived by their daughter Lispah Hogan, granddaughter Abbey Hogan and grandson Ryder Hogan; son John and Joanna Avera, granddaughters Vivian, Chloe and Lexi Avera. They were preceded in death by their daughter, Abigail Avera, and son-in-law, Bob Hogan.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, where friends, family, and fellow servicemembers will gather to honor John's legacy. His dedication to the defense of freedom and country will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers due to restrictions at the military cemetery, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Hospital or Shriners Hospital.