Avery Eugene Robertson

A funeral service will be held in honor of Avery Robertson on February 1st 2024 at 12:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Oxford 95 E Oak St, Oxford, Alabama 36203 with Rev. Gary Cornelius officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 before the service. A graveside service will be held at Forestlawn Gardens Cemetery, 730 Golden Springs Rd, Anniston, Alabama 36207 immediately following the funeral service.

Avery was born January 7, 1957, in Marshall County to Wendell E. Robertson and Virginia Robertson. He graduated from White Plains High School where he played football and basketball. Avery met his wife, Kathy Fordham Robertson, shortly after high school. They have been happily married for 46 years. They had one daughter, Syprina Robertson Brown (Garrett), and three grandchildren, Avery, David, and Samantha Brown.

Avery had many hats over the years. He worked at Southern Tool Machine Shop, Anniston Army Depot, and A & M Roofing. Avery’s favorite hat was when he became Santa Claus for thousands of children. A little over 18 years ago, Avery became Santa for the first time when he saw the Christmas magic in his first grandson’s eyes. After that year, Avery transformed his yard into a magical Christmas wonderland for the entire neighborhood. Each year he added to the magic.

Along with the yard, Avery changed as well. He transformed into Santa. He started with an artificial beard, then grew it into a beautiful silky one he was so proud of and groomed daily. His daughter helped him style it for those magical nights when visitors would come. He was so very proud to be a part of the Cotton State Santas. Avery enjoyed talking with them about the children and what they would ask for for Christmas. He loved being a part of all things Christmas. It showed it in everything he did. Avery decorated his yard to delight over 10,000 visitors each year. It captured the eyes and hearts of people from people all over the area. He loved to see and talk to people about his creations. He delighted in being a small part of their Christmas and family traditions. The decorations started from one property and expanded into four. Over the years, he took part in the first Christmas pictures and engagement photos. He would talk about them over and over. His favorite decoration was his 17-foot Rudolph which people would come and take photos with.

Besides being Santa, Avery was known as Poppy to his grandchildren. He loved his three grandchildren with all of his heart. He could be seen on the sidelines cheering on the jackets at middle school football games, basketball games, and high school games. He would be in the stands with his daughter fighting the freezing rain, heat, and cold together. The hole that he is leaving is immeasurable. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. Avery enjoyed working in his yard, working on new creative building projects, and enjoying his retirement.

Avery was baptized at First Baptist Church of Oxford and a member there for over 20 years. He was an active member of the Nailbenders, mission team and served on the Alabama Baptist Disaster Chainsaw Team for years. He loved traveling and building churches for needy communities and spreading the love of Jesus through his gift of carpentry.

Survivors include-

Wife-Kathy Fordham Robertson

Daughter-Syprina Robertson Brown (Garrett)

Grandsons-Avery Brown, David Brown

Granddaughter-Samantha Brown

Mother-Virginia Robertson

Sister-Maria Sims (Ross)

Niece-Katelyn Turner (Justin)

Great Niece-Josie Turner

Great Nephew-Avett Turner

Furbabies-Midnight, Max

Special Friends-Tom and Wanda Hodges

Avery is preceded in death by father Wendell E. Robertson (father), Irene Fordham (mother-in-law), and Earl Fordham (father-in-law).

Pallbearers-Tom Hodges, Leon Dean, Clarence Hill, Marc Webb, Dennis Reeder, Don Lindley, Daryl Fleming, Vic Hall

Honorary Pallbearers-Cotton State Santas

In Lieu of flowers-please donate to the Oxford High School Sound of Champions Marching Band.