Ralph Eugene Avera

Reverend Ralph Eugene Avera, age 83, a longtime resident of Troy, was called to eternal rest on February 25, 2024.  A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024 in the Chapel of Green Hills Funeral Home with the Reverend J. C. Turner officiating.  Burial will follow in Green Hills Memorial Cemetery with Bill Gorey, Chuck Caraway, Chase Caraway, Jason Reeves, Allen Reeves, Hunter Reeves, and Harrison Reeves serving as Pall Bearers.  Reverend Avera will lie in state one hour prior to the service on Thursday.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Reverend Avera lost his parents at an early age and spent the years 1949-1961, living at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home I in Hapeville, Georgia.  He is a graduate of Hapeville High School and attended Truitt McConnell Junior College from 1961-1962.  Reverend Avera received his pastoral degree from Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida on May 11, 1965.  Over the years Reverend Avera had the privilege of pastoring many churches in and around the Troy area.

On July 3, 1965, Reverend Avera married Willene Day at Dorcas Baptist Church in Jack, Alabama.  They were married for 56 years until she was called to her eternal rest in 2021.  They had a wonderful life together and God blessed them with two daughters: Jennifer Avera and Judy Avera Armstead.

Reverend Avera was preceded in death by his wife, Willene Day Avera; parents, Edwin Patrick Avera and Lucille Avera; sister, Marguerite Owens; brother, Donald Patrick Avera; father-in-law, Robert Richard Day, and mother-in-law Willie Dell Day.

Reverend Avera is survived by his daughters, Jenny Avera, Judy Avera Armstead; son-in-law Micheal Armstead, a precious grandson, MJ Armstead and numerous nieces and nephews.

The daughters wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers Linda Thomas, Elaine McCleod, and Clara Boyd who gave excellent, loving care to their father for over 2 years.