William Joseph Avery

On Sunday December 31, 2023 William (Bill, Mr. Bill, Chief) Avery left to be with the lord unexpectedly.

Bill was born April 10, 1956 in St. Claire Shores, Michigan to Charles and Lillian (Gildner) Avery.

Bill was blessed in this life to have a beautiful wife Valerie (Ray) Avery, his two gorgeous daughters Jessica(Jason) Avery-Helwig and Heather Kelsey. A son Charles (Chuckie) Avery who passed away in 2021. Bill was also lucky enough to have 7 grandchildren Aidan Kelsey, Alayna Kelsey, Gwenevere Helwig, Aliana Kelsey, Lola Helwig, Jett Helwig, and Adalaide Kelsey who he loved and cherished more than life itself.

Bill was one of 5 siblings, sisters Kay Avery-Cornell(Steve), Marilyn Avery-Swan(Larry), Shirley Tracey(Sam) and a brother Charles E. Avery (Jeni), who preceded him in death.

Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends. If you were Bill's friend you knew how much he valued your friendship. Bill was known for his sarcasm and amazing sense of humor. We liked to refer to him as a pot stirrer because he enjoyed getting people worked up just to get a laugh when they realized he was just messing with them. He valued his individual connections with everyone he came into contact with. If he considered you his friend there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you.

Bill was the proud owner of Bill’s Burgers and Avery’s Family Restaurant in Mancelona Michigan. Later in life Bill and Val then had the opportunity to join their daughter and son in Arizona where the weather was warmer and no snow.

Bill spent his final years as the Head Nutritionist for the Casa Grande Academy. He felt a special calling to this job. He felt like he was making a difference to the boys in the Academy, and in a way provided them with a father figure they so desperately needed. He would teach them accountability and your word having value, amongst other things.

Bill felt the rain!( he loved Bob Dylan)

We love and miss you Bill. We will always carry your memory and sarcasm in our hearts.

“Take care of all your memories for you cannot relive them.” - Bob Dylan