Avery Earnest Vannoy Sr.

Mr. Vannoy was born in Deep Gap, NC to the late Jessie Cleveland Vannoy and Minnie Benge Vannoy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Vannoy; a daughter, Kathy Vannoy; two brothers, Paul and Levi Vannoy; three sisters, Hazel Kirby, Georgie Setzer and Mabel Morrow. He was the retired owner of Vannoy Realty. A true American patriot, Avery retired from the US Navy after served 26 years and achieved the rank of Master Chief. Upon his retirement he became a member of the VFW and DAV.

He loved to make people laugh and his passion was purchasing, selling and tinkering with cars.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Darcy DiBenedetto Vannoy of the home; his sons, Avery Vannoy, Jr. of Rhode Island, Mark Vannoy, Sr. of Rhode Island, Anthony DiBenedetto of Mississippi and Ernest DiBenedetto of Rhode Island; Debbie Vannoy of Florida who has been like a daughter to Avery; granddaughters, Allison Rosen, Julie Vannoy, Laura Vannoy and Victoria DiBenedetto; a grandson, Mark Vannoy, Jr.; two great grandchildren, and numerous other grandchildren; two sisters, Myrtle Winkler of the Baton community and Frances Moore of Hudson.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Avery will be held Friday, May 4, 2012 in Pendry’s Chapel at 3:00 p.m. followed with full military honors. Pastor John Greene will be officiating the services.

In lieu of flowers, the Vannoy family respectfully requests that memorials be made to The Cats & Cradle, 112 Clark Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Processing Center, P O Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 or the American Diabetes Association, P O Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.

Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Avery Earnest Vannoy, Sr.