Avery Earl Petty

Avery Earl Petty age 89 of Lenoir City, TN, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2026 after a 10 year battle with end-stage kidney disease. Avery was a native of Lenoir City and a long-time member of First Baptist Church. His pride and joy were his family and recently celebrated 66 years of marriage with his wife, Barbara.

Avery was one of three brothers who were raised during the depression. He also overcame serious health problems during childhood. Avery had the dream of studying engineering and through hard work, positive influence of educators, and generous support from his community he was able to achieve his goal. He attended UT Knoxville from 1955-59 while working co-op for TVA.

Avery always loved baseball and played for UT for a short time living in what is now Neyland Stadium. As a young man, he enjoyed coaching little league baseball in his community. He also enjoyed golf and always cheering on the Tennessee Vols.

Avery had a career of 30 years with Yale Manufacturing in Lenoir City, eventually becoming plant manager. He was also an award-winning real estate broker winning many awards and kept his license until his eighties. Avery previously served two terms on the Loudon County Board of Education, two terms as a Loudon County Commissioner, many years on the board of the former First National Bank of Loudon County, Board Chairman of Loudon County Hospital, and at one time as President of the Loudon County UT Alumni Association for Loudon County. He never forgot the many people who helped him along the way and paid it forward every chance he had.

Avery was preceded in death by his parents, James and Maggie Petty; brothers, Cecil L. Petty and Billy "Jody" Petty, and granddaughter, Laura Caroline Green.

Avery is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Petty; daughter, Brenda Green (Dennis); son, Randy Petty (Tracy); grandchildren: Logan Green, Tori Koudelka (Charlie), and Wesley Petty; great-granddaughters, Amelia Petty and Isabella Koudelka, and special cousin, Ann Williams (Bruce).

The family would like to express their gratitude to their neighbors, staff of Fresenius Kidney Care Loudon-Lenoir City, and staff of Right at Home for the compassionate care and concern shown to Avery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avery and Barbara Petty UT Knoxville Alumni Scholarship Endowment designated to help students from Loudon County. Please send checks to:1525 University Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921

If donors wish to go online to make a donation they can go to:https://utfi.org/ and hit the "Give Now" button.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 12th at Click Funeral Home in Lenoir City. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Dr. Dick DeMerchant, Dr. Jeff Waldrop and Mr. Dennis Green officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery.

Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements.