Fernie Avila

Fernando “Fernie” Avila, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and Worthy Grand Knight passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at the age of 71, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on July 16, 1953, Fernie lived a life defined by his welcoming personality, generous heart and long curly hair. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 44 years, Ana, with whom he built a life devoted to his faith and family.

Fernie was the proud father of his children Andrea and her husband Christopher Smith, Vanessa and her husband Harold Hernandez, Fernando Jr and his girlfriend Jammel Valdes, Elizabeth and her husband Cody Carter, who will always remember their father’s generosity, humor, and strength. He was Tata to eight grandchildren, Isabella Smith, Cassandra, Jacob, Noah, and Caleb Hernandez, Cody Jr, Cameron and Cayden Carter who will always remember Tata’s endless pool parties, lunch dates and sweet tooth.

Fernie is survived by his brother Jose Avila, whose bond remained strong through the decades with their forever lunch dates and their love for their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece Rebecca Avila and grandnephew Roman Rodriguez who shared his loved of music.

Fernie is reunited with his mother Delia Torres Avila, his great aunt Librada Torres and his brother Benjamin Avila.

Fernie was a proud graduate of El Paso High School class of 1972 and spent over 30 years as a field engineer. Fernie retired to be a stay-at-home grandpa and start a rock band The One Knight Stands. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7563 at St. Raphael Catholic Church and served as the Worthy Grand Knight.

Above all, Fernie will be remembered for the love he gave; unconditional, steadfast, and true. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he treasured above all else.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00 pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church 2301 Zanzibar. Mass on Saturday, June 14, at 10:00 am at St. Raphael Catholic Church 2301 Zanzibar. There will be no grave site services since he will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Knights of Colombus Council 7563 to continue their charitable works in Fernie’s memory. Please use the QR code on the image section below.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation for Fernie will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at St Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar, El Paso, Texas 79925. A rosary will occur Friday, June 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM, 2301 Zanzibar, El Paso, Texas 79925. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 2301 Zanzibar, El Paso, Texas 79925.