A.C. Avery

Our father, A.C. Avery (ACE), passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 24th, 2021. Dad was a resident at Avalon West for the past 21 months. He was 91.

Dad was born in Foss, Oklahoma on April 5, 1930 to Edna Jane Wilson and Archie Carroll Avery. He was blessed with four older sisters: Reva, Vera Mae, Juanita and Wilma Fern. Dad was the fifth child born and only boy. Two more sisters joined the family, DeLorise and Carol. His sweet baby sisters are the only two remaining.

At the young age of four, dad's father, Archie, was test driving a vehicle and was killed as a passenger. His mother Edna was expecting her seventh child at his untimely death.
Dad was the only man in the house at a very young age. He learned how to trap rabbits for food, he picked cotton with his sisters for hours, he took care of the family dairy cows, and learned many things too soon for a little boy to have to learn. He worked hard and was proud he knew how to work hard.
Dad's mother remarried an alcoholic and this took a huge toll on the whole family. The family farm was nearly destitute and dad was forced to leave the home at age 14 due to conflicts beyond his control.

This is where the Lord intervened and sent an angel on wheels. Dad was walking barefoot towards the highway. He had just recovered from rheumatic fever and was still suffering from side effects. A man hauling a whole truckload of oranges stopped and asked him where he was going. Dad said to his sister's home, Vera Mae. The man gave him a ride. He grabbed a basket of oranges and was challenged by the stranger in an orange eating contest. This became the healing elixir he needed, both emotionally and physically. Dad had a conversation with this good man and was dropped off at his sister’s home. We often believe this was an angel sent to help him! “How Sweet Were the Oranges” is the title of his biography! This man saved dad's life that day.

At the age of 16 dad moved to Evanston, Wyoming to live with another sister Reva. He met his first love and mother of all his children, Loris Marlene Bennett, the dairyman’s daughter. Mom was a baton twirler, a horseback rider, and a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

On February 23, 1949, Marlene’s 18 birthday, they were married. That year in August, Marlene gave birth to twins. No one knew she was expecting two babies and the doctor shocked everyone when he said there was another baby. Ernest Craig and Steven Carrol were born. Both premature and tiny in a small Coalville, Utah hospital. Sadly Steven died after living 24 hours and miraculously Craig survived. Dad always said the saddest day of his life was carrying Steve in his tiny casket to his grave.
Just 26 months later another joyful day occurred. Identical twin boys Bruce and Brad were born and both boys were healthy and strong. Often referred to throughout their life as the golden twins.

In 1954 our parents then moved to Alpine, Utah and owned a large 70 acre farm. Dad took a job at the Utah State Prison as a guard on death row. His 13 months working there left a huge impact on him. He covered three executions and decided this work was not for him. During this time another son was born to Ace and Marlene, David. The family would then move to the Avenues in Salt Lake City.

Around 1959 Dad got introduced to Real Estate. He had a way with people and a natural salesman ability. He was happy and kind and people were drawn to his good nature and pleasant personality. This career lasted for over 50 years. Ace Avery Realty and Investments did well and dad served as broker to many Real Estate agents and led sales in the Salt Lake Valley for many years to come. Some of his greatest accomplishments were building the L Marlene Villa, The Kristy Jane, The Tonya Jean, and The Ashley Diane Apartments. At one time Dad developed over 200 home subdivisions and 100 apartment units just in Sandy, Utah alone. Salesmanship was in his blood and Dad could sell anything.
In 1963 Kristy Jane the only daughter was born. Shortly after her birth, the family built a home in the Cottonwood area on Charleston Lane and this became the family home for years to come. There, Ace became the Scoutmaster and head financial guide to build the Cottonwood First Ward House. Dad was never a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but often supported Marlene and the children in their church endeavors.

Dad and Mom divorced in the late 1970’s. He remarried Jan Mcbride and divorced. Later, he married Beatrice Pierce and divorced. All three women were exceptional women and loved our family. We are grateful for the love they showed us!
Dad left two great legacies for our family to appreciate.

Our whole family built a beautiful cabin in Alpine, Wyoming. Many generations of family and friends have gathered there and laughed and made incredible memories. In 2002 another great legacy was Dad finding the cemetery of his long lost Grandfather, William Keith Avery. This became a mission for our father because he thought he could have been the red-headed angel who rescued him with the oranges at age 14. So with the help of many, Dad found Myers Chapel. At the time a decrepit old chapel in Moberly, Missouri. Then unexpectedly Bea and Dad found Grandpa Avery and many Avery family ancestors buried in the cemetery on this plot. Dad decided to restore the Myers Chapel and with family, community, and support from many, the restoration occurred with several trips to plant 100 rose bushes and flowering pear trees. This project came alive in our father and made him realize that family is most important. It brought together many generations of family in one sacred location and became something Dad spoke about daily until his passing.

Dad loved to write poetry. Many of his poems will be shared for generations. Dad loved to hunt and was especially gifted as a hunter. Prized animals hang on our cabin wall. He had many dear friends who hunted with him throughout the years. Dad also made an amazing auctioneer. He volunteered many hours as an auctioneer to raise money for various community needs.

ACE is survived by sisters DeLorise and Carol and five of his six children, Craig Avery, Bruce (Pam) Avery, Brad (Terrie) Avery, Dave (Nikki) Avery, and Kristy (Ron) Huber. Ace had 29 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held on Saturday November 13, 2021 from 9:00 A.M until 10:30 A.M. followed by a family only viewing from 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, located at 1950 E 10600 S Sandy Utah. Services will follow at 11:00 A.M. in the Larkin Sunset Garden's Chapel. Interment will take place at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, Utah.

Previously held services may be watched by clicking the "Watch Services" link above or by clicking the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/207f3xMHUI9yEqaP8LSQ5727CKYp239RijTJzW4I-SjFoNEjuVv2Yz8N24NOG_zi.PLjxyG0cg81zxT59?startTime=1636824552000