Lonnie Dewayne Avants, 78, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was a longtime resident of Granville County. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church, retired from the US Army Reserve and IBM at RTP.
A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Meadowview Memorial Park in Oxford by Mark Burnette.
Surviving are his wife of fifty-five years, Mary Joe Frazier Avants of the home, one daughter, Michelle Burnette (Mark) of Oxford, two sons; Tim Avants (Karen) of Timberlake, Michael Avants (Cherie) of Winston-Salem and four grandchildren.
Tributes
Leave a tributeWe are so sorry to learn of your father's passing. Praying God's peace and comfort for you as you lay him to rest today. We will continue to pray for you during this time of grief and loss. May Jesus care for your hearts well.
Love,
Bob, Paula and Eleanor
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The Knock On The Door (Late)
I decided I wanted to spend some time with my girlfriend that night and Daddy knew I would be going. All he asked, was that I return at a reasonable time to get good rest (a theme, by the way, that would literally continue with each visit, until he was gone). Again, I really liked my girlfriend...she was nice and pretty, so we talked...well...for hours. I was aware of the time, and I knew it was late. She did as well, but it was just hard to break away. So I knew I would be getting home late, perhaps to Daddy's wrath. What I did not know, was the late knock at my girlfiend's apartment door would be none other than my Daddy. I had no idea how he figured out where I was...but he did. Like a true Daddy and a gentleman, directly and firmly, he addressed me, telling me I had to leave for Boone early in the morning, reminding me Michelle would be riding with me, and that I was responsible for her safety. Then he simply said come home...now. I did. My girlfriend and I hugged and kissed, saying our goodbyes. The next day, while driving to Boone, with my twin in the passenger seat, I fell asleep and went off the road, to the terror, of my parents behind us, including my Daddy who had lovingly asked me to get my butt to bed on time the night before. Michelle woke me, and I got the vehicle back on the road. Perhaps Daddy's loving care (which seemed like being overly strict at the time), was just enough to not turn disobedience into a tragedy...I still do not know how he got my girlfriend's address information, but my family and girlfriend were very glad he did.
Hook Shot Proficiency
Whenever around a basketball and basketball goal growing-up, and Daddy was there, Daddy would usually ask for the ball, so that he could impress us with his right-handed or left-handed hook shots. While he did not make every shot, he did make a lot of them. I suppose you could say he was proficient! It is the only type basketball shot I ever remember him attempting.
The Very Best Daddy
Let me be clear on this point. I had the very best Daddy (what he preferred to be called). I should have shared the following sentiments, while Daddy was living here on Earth. I am very thankful for the parents I was given, Mary Joe and Lonnie Dewayne Avants. Was my Daddy perfect? He was no more and no less than any other. I remember, being sheltered, clothed, and fed. We went to church regularly. That all meant something to me, and I appreciated everything that he did to provide. I have no doubt he got a lot of things wrong, but I know he loved his family and Jesus. That was all I needed to know. That made all the difference to me. I do not recall ever thinking I wished some other man was my father. It was never a consideration. I enjoyed coffee brewing in the kitchen most every morning we woke in the same house together. I enjoyed trips to church. I enjoyed, when he picked us kids up from school early to head to the state fair. I enjoyed the Sundays we skipped church for a family outing to White Lake. I remember sporting events that he attended. I remember Daddy, making sure I got to college safely. I remember him being concerned about my health and safety. Whatever things he may have done that made me mad, they no longer matter. I am more interested in the legacy he left behind...a man that loved his family and Jesus. How could I have possibly been disappointed, especially in light of lack of so many children today, needing good fathers? I am so thankful and blessed to have shared life with Daddy for just over fifty years. It was not enough time! I had the very best Daddy!