John S. Avent

SOUTHERN PINES - Mr. John S. Avent, 89, died Saturday, June 7, 2003, at his home. Mr. Avent was born Oct. 8, 1913, in Lee County to the late Elton E. and Virginia Sheppard Avent. He received his education from the county schools and from N.C. State University, from which he was a graduate in 1941. He was a registered and licensed professional engineer and was with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. for 30 years until his retirement as chief of machine design in 1976. In military service, he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and crossed Europe with General George Patton during World War II as commander of the 748th Tank Battalion, Third Army. Surviving are his wife, Melba S. Avent of Southern Pines; a son, Neil McLean Avent of Sanford; a brother, the Rev. Lawrence W. Avent of Greensboro; a daughter-in-law, Lupita Avent of Aberdeen; three grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 10, 2003, at O'Quinn-Peebles Chapel in Lillington, with the Rev. Lawrence W. Avent officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Mr. Avent was a 100% organ donor to the Eastern N.C. Medical Center in Greenville. Memorials may be made to Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 330 S. May St., Southern Pines, NC 28387.