William Francis Avery

William (Bill) F. Avery, age 92 of Salem, Oregon passed away peacefully March 22, 2025. Bill was born in Boise, Idaho September 16, 1934. Bill was born to Warren & Dorothy Avery. He attended school in Idaho and eventually married Corinna (Joyce) Clelland. They had three children Susan Altig (Avery), Jeffery Avery and Sally Avery.

Bill had a nomadic gene in him and loved to travel, he loved to drive or pilot his own plane. That was truly his happy place. Bill owned a trucking company in Idaho in the 1960’s and that eventually led him to move to Alaska in 1966 delivering items such as fresh vegetables and milk among other things more quickly to smaller communities in Southeast Alaska. During his time in Alaska, Bill obtained his pilots license and was a bush pilot for a time.

Eventually Bill and Joyce divorced and Bill later married Nancy (Vincent). Eventually, Bill was employed by the Federal Government as a job supervisor installing sewer and water facilities in various Alaskan villages for many years until retirement. He traveled the State of Alaska extensively and had many interesting experiences that most people only read about. During the downtime of the winter months Bill and his wife Nancy became snowbirds and traveled in their motorhome in the lower 48 states. Bill had many solid friends over the years, his smile and beautiful blue eyes lit up a room. Bill and Nancy were married 52 years and celebrated many many good times and experiences.

Bill is survived by his daughter Sally and grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his wife Nancy, daughter Susan, son Jeffery, two brothers and his parents.

Bill’s final resting place will be at Masonic Memorial Gardens in Reno Nevada.