Timothy Raul Avila

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Timothy Raul Joseph Avila, a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, colleague, community member and friend to all those who knew him. He entered into his eternal heavenly home with God Our Heavenly Father, peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 57 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on January 25, 1969, in Yuma, Arizona, where he was born and raised.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Raul and Teresa Avila. He is survived by his wife Debbie Avila, sons Dominic Avila and Blake Avila (Melanye), daughter Isabella Avila and sisters: Denise Avila Taylor (Todd) and Susan Avila and nieces: Ashley Taylor, Ariana Taylor, Allison Arias (Jaie), and Felicity (Gabriel) Lunde.

Tim was a good, loving, wise, strong man who put God first and was an extraordinary, loyal, beloved family man who lived a good and faithful life. He was a devout Catholic who attended Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Immaculate Conception Church. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus, having served as a Grand Knight along with other leadership positions throughout the years. He had a long and successful career holding several management positions. He started two of his own businesses: Gents and Southwest Satellite. He worked as an Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator for Northern-Arizona University-Yuma where he met his loving wife and “Sweetheart” Debbie. He also worked for Queen Carpet/Shaw Industries as a Manager, SYSCO as a Sales Manager, SCI as a Manager and most recently with Yuma Investment Group as a Financial Advisor for eight years.

Tim was a firm believer in education and graduated from Yuma High School with honors in the top 10 of his class. He also received an academic scholarship from Yale University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Organizational Behavior Business Management. He was also a member of the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He loved supporting his children in all their activities and attending their many events including his sons’ baseball, soccer league games, and his daughter’s dance and band activities. Known as “Coach Tim” or “Big Papa Tim” to many, he especially loved coaching his son’s baseball city league (Yuma Cal Ripken, Somerton, San Luis, MX) and travel teams (Bombers, Smashers, Angels and Vipers) in their youth starting at the age of four all the way through their high school years at Gila Ridge High School where he also later began coaching. He also coached his daughter’s soccer team during her youth. He was highly supportive in helping his son, Blake, obtain various college baseball scholarships at three different colleges including Central Arizona College, Grand Canyon University and Utah Valley University. Tim loved spending quality time with his beloved family, golfing, watching Notre Dame football and sports, traveling and serving his community.

Tim was an outstanding, exceptional community member and was involved in many philanthropic organizations such as Yuma Fort Rotary where he served as President in addition to other leadership positions. He was also a member of the Somerton Rotary Club where he served in leadership roles and received one of the highest honors (the Paul Harris award) from Rotary International. He was also a valued member of Business Network International (BNI) and the Chamber of Commerce.

Tim will forever be remembered for his love of faith, family and a life well lived. His exemplary life was a true testimony of God’s goodness, love, light and glory. His character reflected the light of God and was a true soldier of Jesus Christ. He utilized his God-given gifts and talents to the fullest, sharing them and helping those in need. He led by example, and through his actions taught us his values of being humble, patient, kind, and compassionate to others. He lived with perseverance, always having hope. He was loyal and honest in his personal and professional life. He will always be known for his resilience, optimistic attitude, friendly smile, strong leadership, and ethical morals and values. He eternally had a strong and winning attitude, yet gentle spirit doing everything with charisma, exceptional effort, integrity and excellence. He had respect for himself and others and will always be lovingly remembered, forever cherished, and honored. He will be deeply missed and will live in our hearts forever; his legacy of faith and good character will live on through his family and friends. A guardian angel to us all, until we meet him again in our Heavenly Home with God Our Father. And Tim, you will hear The Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, welcome to My Heavenly Kingdom and share your Master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:21).

“May The Lord Bless you and keep you, Tim, may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn His face upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual Light shine upon him. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen