Tom Avery Jr. was born in the Birmingham metropolian area on March 30, 1926. His father was Tom Avery.
Tom, who was known as Deacon to his friends and acquaintances subsequently moved to Sheffield.
He worked for some years at the Reynolds Metal Company in the Muscle Shoals area.
He later made a life long career of working at Sheffield Iron Works and Reclamation Center known by many as the Junk Yard.
Deacon was a multi skilled individual who performed many jobs to include heavy equipment and fork lift operator until his retirement from the work force.
Deacon became a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in 2008 and attended church worship services as well as special event services.
Deacon was a missionary of sorts. He enjoyed visiting friends and acquaintances who were hospitalized and residing in long term care facilities.
His survivors are a daughter, Carolotta Diane Jackson of Philadelphia, Pennyslvania; two sons: Darrell Vince Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia and Quinten Bailey of surburban Detroit, Michigan; one step-son: Rev. Ivan J. Jackson and step daughter-in-law Rev. Minnie Jackson of Severn, Maryland.
He is also survived by several grand children, to include, Rafael Simpson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Simone Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia, Tory Bailey, Sheffield, Alabama and Sonia Shipley King of Tuscumbia, Alabama; as well as a host of great grand children.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday October 23, 2021.
