Ronald Gene Avery

SUNRISE – THE FIRST BIRTH
Deacon Ronald Avery was born to the late Julia Inez Edwards and Luther Avery on October 14,1950, in Williamson, West Virginia. Ron was the third oldest of their four children: Gerald Avery, Robert Avery, and Kay Kelley. They were raised by their aunt and uncle, Virginia and Claude Hairston, who had one son, William Hairston. On Saturday, December 17, 2023, Ron departed this earthly life, after courageously walking by faith despite his various health ailments. Ron always remained hopeful, and he always trusted God.

EARTHLY JOURNEY
 
Ron graduated with honors from Columbus East High School in 1967. He later attended Columbus Technical Institute, and Bell & Howe Telecommunications Institute. In 1970, he received a DMS/ESS
telecommunication Specialist Certification. As a master Telecommunication Specialist, he worked at Ohio Bell for 19 years. With his expertise, he was promoted and fulfilled the responsibility of installing communication networks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
 
In 1987, Ron was hired by United Parcel Service (UPS) as a Feeder Driver. He loved working for UPS where he drove tractor trailers over the road from state to state. Ron also loved his trucking handle which was “PeeWee.”  He drove for 35 years and after retiring he said, “I miss the freedom of being out on the road and seeing God’s beautiful creation.” Ron put safety first and never had a ticket in his life. Additionally, for 15 years at UPS, he worked as a union representative for Teamsters local unions 284 and 413, advocating for his fellow workers.
 
On January 25, 2002, Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Deidra LaShawn Greenway. They spent 22 years together in holy matrimony. Ron was a loving, committed, and supportive husband whose warmth and love resonated inside and out. As Deidra pursued her Master of Divinity degree and implemented ministerial activities, he was incredibly supportive, understanding, and encouraging. Ronald would often write
“love letters” to Deidra. In one letter that was deeply touching, he wrote, “I will love you forever. I will always be with you in your heart.”
 
Ron was a dedicated member, sponsor, and supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was clean and sober for 40 years. He was enthusiastic about giving back to the AA community. Despite his health issues, he was able to counsel many who were struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. His favorite phrase was “I have had no relapses, and not one drop or thimble full of alcohol.” To this, Ron gave God all the glory for his successful sobriety.
 
Ron was a thoughtful and caring man, who put God and family first. He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. He gave so much of himself, not only his time, but his heart. He always challenged those around him to be the best versions of themselves and was always available to administer wise counsel and encouragement. Ron had the ability to find happiness in ordinary daily activities; he loved to watch the news. Ron will always be remembered for his quick wit, strong-will, kindness, compassion, and the baker of the best pineapple upside down cake that you would ever want to eat!! Family and friends often requested his cakes, and Ron was happy to bake a cake for them!
 
 
REBIRTH – HALLELUJAH!!
 
On January 5, 2014, under the leadership of Pastor Jonathan Bradford, Ron united with Bethany Baptist Church, 959 Bulen Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, and was baptized. He was later installed as a Deacon on November 19. 2017.  Ron loved Bethany and all of his sisters and brothers in Christ. His Christian faith was an essential part of his life. Faithfully, Ron served on the Transportation Committee as the lead Driver, the Welcome Committee, was a member of the Deacon Board, and helped with the food giveaway. Additionally, he assisted his wife, Rev. Deidra Avery, as she conducted her responsibilities as the Bethany Baptist Chrisitan Education Director.
 
Furthermore, Ron was Co-founder and Senior Deacon of a ministry founded in 2002 by him and his wife, Rev. Deidra. The ministry, “God’s Unchanging Hand Christian Ministries, is a worldwide online church ministry. God’s Unchanging Hand Christian Ministries provides a positive online presence for Christ across multiple media platforms. Ron was incredibly grateful that God had directed them to this joint ministry
endeavor. On the night that he passed, he assisted with developing the ministry motto of “SHARE” which is defined as: 

S- Share the love of God (Jn. 3:16; 13:34-35). 
H- Honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Jn. 5: 22-23). 
A- All are welcome in our community (Lk.14:16-23). R- Represent Jesus in our daily lives (Eph. 4:1-6). 
E- Encourage one another (1 Th. 5:11).

At the age of 73 Deacon Ronald Avery is welcomed into the company of ancestors and family members who preceded his passing. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julia Inez Edwards Harris and Luther Avery; Virginia and Claude Hairston; uncles, Alonzo, Robert, and George Edwards; aunts Mattie Jean (Booker) Baker, Grace (Howard) Williams; and Katherine (Walter) Gray; and siblings Gerald Avery, Karen Kelley; daughter, Brooksie Christy Avery; sons, Ronald Avery Jr., and Nicholas Brown. The loving family remaining that will exceedingly miss him includes: Devoted wife, Rev. Deidra Avery, children; Craig Avery, Keisha (Corey) Malloy; Nicole (Jonathan Jr.) Miller, sibling; Robert (Julie) Avery; special cousins Bill (Marilyn) Gray and Deborah (Allen) Dukes; special friend Charlie (Erma) James and John Hall; and a host of
grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Bethany Baptist Church, 959 Bulen Ave,.