Funeral services will be Monday, December 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM at The First Baptist Church of Columbus. Family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall at The First Baptist Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Averett Memorial Fund at First Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia or the David Mincey Averett Fund, Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley.
He is survived by his wife, Gina Philips Averett, his daughter, Anna Averett Johnson (Tyler), his son, Harry Philips Averett (Stephanie), and his dog, Mildred. He is preceded in death by his son, David Mincey Averett, his mother, Eloise Averett, and his father, Jack Monroe Averett, Sr. He is also survived by a host of relatives including his brother, Jack Monroe Averett, Jr., nieces and nephews; Will Averett (Brandi), Jay Averett (Erin), Kate Averett Kiekhaefer (Mike), Katharine Douglas Taylor (Craig), Philip Douglas (Marcie), great nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws,and others who were privileged to call him family.
He was born April 13th, 1949 in Savannah, Georgia. He grew up in Columbus, Georgia, where he quickly began leaving his indelible fingerprints on everyone he met. He attended Wynnton Elementary and graduated from Columbus High. He went on to attend Georgia Tech studying Architecture, and graduated from the University of Georgia. After graduation, he served in the Peace Corps, working in Central and South America, before returning to Columbus to lay the foundation for his custom home building firm, D. Hal Averett Contracting, Inc.
His love of Columbus is evident through his involvement and influence in numerous community organizations and projects including, but not limited to, Columbus Scholars, Safe House, Trinity House, Open Door Community House, VIP, IFM, Trees Columbus, and many others. He was instrumental in the creation of the Riverdale-Porterdale Cemetery Foundation. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, he lived his faith through service as a deacon and as an influential member of numerous church-affiliated committees and organizations. His commitment to servant leadership reached around the world, with active projects across South and Central America, Liberia, and wherever else he felt the call.
Hal found great joy in spending time with his family and friends who were like family. The venues for his discussions on life ranged from living rooms, to homeless shelters, from street corners to country clubs, and everywhere in between. It has been said that he spoke to the mayor and the homeless person on the street with the same deference and respect, and there are many who have seen that in person. He had the uncanny ability to make people feel important, valued, and understood. When Hal took the time to bring himself joy, he was on the water. He loved to water ski, and shared the joy of the sport with as many people as he could. He always considered travel to be the best education for himself and for his family, and he continued that education throughout his life, especially relishing shared experiences with others. Of course, he had a particular interest in architectural destinations when he traveled for pleasure, but he always wanted to acquaint himself with the local culture, especially during his mission projects.
Hal Averett was the embodiment of stewardship and servant leadership. He was not just a leader in architectural development, but was a spiritual guide, shaping the faith of many friends, family members, and acquaintances. He loved children, taking special care to remind each one that they are special and have great potential, regardless of where they came from. As the children he knew aged, he spoke to them as the adults they were, and never lost that uplifting sense of care. He had a strange magnetism where any living thing seemed to love him, especially dogs, and he could quiet a crying baby with his genuine smile. His authenticity extended to all, whether you’d known him for a lifetime or met him once.
Hal Averett was a bright light on this earth, and his presence will be sorely missed. Those who were fortunate enough to know him or had the privilege to call him family will be tasked with carrying his light forward in the years to come.
Condolences can be offered to the family at www.shcolumbus.com
