Phillip Joe Avery, Sr.

Phillip Joe Avery, Sr., 77, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on December 10, 1948, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Melba and J. W. Avery, Jr.

Phillip proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1976 before pursuing a career with Norfolk Southern Railroad for 11 years. In 1987, he answered the call to serve once again, returning to active duty with the Navy. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served as a Cryptologic Technician, specializing in the maintenance and operation of highly sophisticated communications and intelligence systems in support of national defense. His assignments took him around the world, including duty in Panama, Greece, Japan, Hawaii, California, Maryland, Virginia, and England.

Phillip retired in 2004 with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (CTRCM), the highest enlisted rank in the United States Navy. Following his retirement from the Navy, he continued serving his country as a civilian employee with the U.S. Government until his retirement in 2022.

His service was recognized with numerous military honors, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

To those who knew him, Phillip will be remembered as a humble patriot, as well as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a faithful Christian, and a loyal friend whose life was defined by service to God, his family, and his country.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Karen Shields Avery.

He is survived by his son, Phillip Joe Avery, Jr. (Deana) of Helena, Alabama; his daughter, Kimberly Avery of Lakeland, Florida; his brother, Danny Avery (Faye) of Columbus, Mississippi; his sisters, Sheila Twilley (Richard) of Red Bay, Alabama, and Patricia Burwell (Brooke) of Columbus, Mississippi; his grandchildren, Alex Avery (Christine), Maria Dalen (Timothy), and Taylor Avery (Kristen); his great-grandchildren, Tiannilene, Phillip Ray, Joseph Jr., and Mariana Avery; his sisters-in-law, Janice White, Cleatha Reesce, and Carole Forshee; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Phillip treasured his family, his faith, and his faithful dog, Lilly. One of his favorite evening traditions were reading the Bible to Lilly before bedtime. He was also a lifelong, devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbus, Mississippi, with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens in Columbus, Mississippi.