Jessie Avila Sr.

1945 - 2025

Jessie Avila Sr.

Jun 17, 1945 - Aug 23, 2025

Jessie Avila, Sr was born in Dallas, Tx on June 17, 1945. He moved to Bryan, Tx where he grew up with several dear family members and trusted friends. In 1967, he was drafted by the US Army where he courageously fought for his county with the 1st Infantry Division – The Big Red 1. During the Vietnam War, he was wounded twice and received the Purple Heart. Later in life, Jessie settled in Brenham, Tx and became a Master Plumber.

Jessie is survived by two sons: Jessie Avila Jr and his wife Maria of San Antonio, Tx and Joseph Avila of Brenham, Tx. He is also survived by two daughters: Candi Martell and her husband Gene of College Station, Tx and Lauren Boerninghaus and her partner Jordan Reid of San Antonio, Tx. His beloved grandchildren are Dominique and Kaitlyn Avila of San Antonio, Tx; Hunter and his wife Rashai, Jesse Marie, and Juliana Avila all of Brenham, Tx; and Gabriel "Gabby" and Nick "Mikey" Martell of College Station, Tx; great-grandson Noah Breedlove and a future great-grandson that he was so hoping to meet. And finally, by many extended family members, dear friends, and the Brenham VFW Post 7104.

If you had the honor of knowing Jessie, you know he was a very proud man who stood up for what he believed in, worked hard, played harder, and loved deeply. You could always find him drinking a cold one while cheering for his Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and anything Aggie. He affectionately renamed his granddog "Mika" instead of Azi – and she always answered him. They loved each other and his face would light up whenever she was around. She brought him great joy in these last months. He greatly respected his fellow veterans and always protected his family. Jessie was tough and fought hard through many difficult challenges in his life. And true to that, he fought until the very end. On August 23, 2025, Jessie's heart stopped and he was finally able to rest. He will be buried with full military honors at the Veterans of Brazos Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Hunter Avila, Gabriel Martell, Nick Martell, Jordan Reid, Myles Wilson and Zak Contreras. Honorary pall bears are the members of the Brenham VFW Post 7104.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 28 from 5 - 7 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan with a rosary at 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be Friday, August 29 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bryan City Cemetery.