Harold Lewis "Pops" Avis, 84, of Rocky Mount, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015, at home with his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Mildred Avis; his daughter, Ann Jessee and her husband, Terry Jessee; his daughter, Faye King; his daughter, Penny Wheeler and her husband, Kent Wheeler; his son, James Lewis Avis and his wife, Debbie Avis; his daughter, Drema Avis; his son, James Harold Avis; and his brother, David Sexton. In addition to his children and sibling, he leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Joshua Lucas, Sheena Tatem, Kevin Jessee, Beth Gordon, James Avis, Chris Avis, Dustin Avis, Cody Avis, Autumn Avis, and Crystal Irby; and another 10 great grandchildren. To them, he will always be Papa.Harold was born on February 3, 1931, in Thayer, W.Va., to Jack Avis and Veda Sexton. He had a modest upbringing, spending his days working on the farm and finding ways to get out of school. Though he professed to have only made it to the third grade, Harold became an accomplished carpenter and mechanic. His mind was much sharper than he ever gave himself credit for. This served him well as a veteran of the Korean War in his younger years. With a big heart and a strong work ethic, he made his way through life supporting his large family until finally retiring as a diesel mechanic with L.B. Smith. He will be remembered as a very loving husband and father that enjoyed working on anything with an engine, especially old cars, and crafting simple wood into beautiful furniture and art. There is a hole in our family that will never be filled, but thinking of his gentle smile and love for the simple things in life will always lift our hearts.Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 2 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2015, with the Rev. Matthew Ricks officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
in Obituaries on Saturday, June 13, 2015 12:00 am.