Francis Brownell Avery, Jr.

Francis (Frank) Brownell Avery, Jr., 93, of Bedford, Va. passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023. He was born in Moncks Corner, SC on February 15, 1930, the son of the late Francis Brownell Avery, Sr. and Vinola Hudson Avery. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Parish Avery; five of his six sisters: Jane Hewitt, Ann Moyse, Emily Holloway, Cornelia (Nell) Stone and Ruth Dumas: and his daughter-in-law Bunnie Fisher Avery.

Frank served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1953. After he completed his military service he continued his education at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. He received his M.B.A. from the University of Richmond in 1960. After Sewanee, he worked briefly for the Lehigh Cement Co. before starting a successful twenty-eight-year career with C&P Telephone Co. and AT&T. After retiring from AT&T in 1986, Frank enrolled at Union Presbyterian Seminary and earned a Masters in Divinity in 1990, becoming a Presbyterian Minister serving many churches in Central and Southwest Virginia. Frank retired from his Ministerial duties in 2013.

Frank is survived by his wife, Marion Lunsford Avery; his children, Laura Keatts Avery (Gerry), Francis Brownell Avery, III (Joyce); David James Avery; Christopher Parish Avery (Karen); grandchildren, Allison Avery (Cameron Leggett), Laura Delmus (Ludovic), Carson Avery, Taylor Holder (Cody), Rachel Avery; step-children, Preston Bond (Emerald), Gardner "Bubba" Bond III (Debra), Charles Bond (Karon), John Bond (Megan); step-grandchildren, James (Jay) Bond (Paige), Tyler Bond, Kasey Balderson (Carrington), Peyton Bond, John (Teddy) Bond, Jr., Caroline Bond; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lydia Stevik.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Bedford Presbyterian Church. A reception to follow at Historic Avenel, 413 Avenel Avenue, Bedford, Va.

He loved his family; valued education; supported his fellow man and contributed to many charities. We loved and respected him. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, Va. 540-586-7360.