Michael "Mike" G. Avery

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Hwy 107
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Friday, October 3, 2014
6-8 p.m.
Service Schedule
Public
Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Saturday, October 4, 2014
10 A.M.
Cemetery
Rest Hills Memorial Park
7724 Landers Road
North Little Rock, AR  72117
Michael "Mike" G. Avery

of North Little Rock, AR

September 15, 1948 - October 1, 2014

Michael G. Avery of North Little Rock passed peacefully on October 1st surrounded by family, after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer. Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Mike graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1966, attended UALR, and also began a career with Union Pacific Railroad that lasted 42 years. He had an exceptional work ethic and upon retirement, Mike was a Manager of Mechanical Maintenance with UP. His career with the railroad was an important part of his life, and his co-workers became like extended family to him through the years.
Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, going to the beach and collecting seashells, and gathering unusual rocks from his excursions around the world. He also enjoyed deer hunting, especially with his family. When he made friends, they were friends for life. Mike was a people person; he never met a stranger and his stories and laughter will be missed by family and friends.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol, and their son, Phil Avery, wife Annette, and their children, Jared & Sarah of North Little Rock; their daughter, Robin Bearden, husband Blake, and their children, Jordan & Jonathan of Sherwood; brother, Steve Avery and wife E.J., of LaGrange, GA, along with a host of family and friends.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Lula Jean Avery of North Little Rock, and his sister, Lisa Avery of Monticello.
A celebration of Mike's life will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116 (501-791-7400). Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends
From 6-8 p.m., Friday, October 3, 2014 at the funeral home.

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34 Condolence(s)
Hoops Family
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 7, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. We will be praying for your family at this difficult time.

George & Sharon Hoops

Becky Simon
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Saturday, October 4, 2014

I have never been to a more precious service. It was obvious that Mike was loved! Plus, it was a treasure to hear both of the speakers share their love of Mike and the Lord. It was truly heart-warming to hear how his family, friends and railroad family adored him.

Carolyn, I am continuing to lift you in prayer. I know you will desperately miss your best buddy. May The Holy Spirit whisper peace over your heart as you miss your guy.

You are loved,
Becky SImon

Tom Harst
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Saturday, October 4, 2014

I had the honor of meeting Mike a few years ago. Unfortunately the times when I did see Mike it was due to a derailment or a follow up to a railroad problem. Even though these types of occasional meetings seldom bring the best out in people, I can honestly say Mike always had time to smile and ask how I was doing and he listened for an answer. I was fortunate to cross paths with Mike.

Mac Biggs
DeRidder, LA
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Carolyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a good friend for a long time. We shared many times from 4th St Jr. High to NLRHS. Living across the street from him we spent a lot time together.
My dad retired from the MoPac with 42 years of service also. Mike was very good to him. When Mike would have a lay-over in Mcghee , he would go by his house and check on him and just bring him up on railroad talk.
My prayers are with you and family at this time.



Steve & Darla
NLR,
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Phil, Annett, Jared and Sarah we love you and are praying for you and your family...

T D Martin
heber Springs, AR
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Friday, October 3, 2014

RIP MG you will be greatly missed.

Cecil Don Curbow
Pine Bluff, AR
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Friday, October 3, 2014

Sorry for your loss.

Cecil Don

Larry Curbow
hot springs vllage, AR
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Carolyn, thinking about you during this difficult time.

Larry

Rich & Kate Fowler
Jacksonville, AR
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Carol and the entire Avery family. So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have known Mike since I 1st met him in 1987 at Union Pacific Jenks Shop. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Our prayers are with you and your entire family.... RIP Mike

Ann Kuhn
Big Sandy, TX
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Hadn't seen Mike since he was a teenager. Visited with him through e-mail a few times the past couple years. He looks like Aunt Lula Gene in that photo. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

William&Libby Moore
Ward, AR
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Carolyn,we were saddened to here of Mikes passing,and even though retirement separated us not seeing each other daily,memories have kept close.We'll see him again,and you and your family will continue to be in our prayers. William&Libby

Bob & Janet Harrison
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Carolyn and family,
Janet and I were sadden to hear that my old friend Mike had passed away. Although I had not seen Mike for many years I always thought of him as a close friend. We started together in the first grade and all the way through high school. We shared many good times together and got in to trouble a few time as well. Many of my most fawn childhood memory’s include Mike.
You and your family will be in our prayer.

Kevin Butcher
Cabot, AR
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Phil, Annette, Jared and Sarah....the Butcher family wishes to express their deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad. We are praying for God to comfort you with peace during this time of grieving.

Dennis(Doc) and Barbara Burnett
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Dear Carolyn and Family:

I'm so sorry for the loss of Mike. You and your family are so close. My sincere condolences to all.

Mike was a couple of years older than I. We lived in the same neighborhood. He was someone in the neighborhood to look up to.

As years went by, I had the pleasure to work with Mike at Mo-Pac, then Union Pacific. He was a fighter for all his friends and family to his end.

Carolyn, if their is anything I can ever do for you and your family, please let me know.

You have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Rest in peace, Mike. I will see you in heaven.

Dennis(Doc) and Barbara Burnett

Pam & Mike Jennings
,
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Thanks Mike for all the good and fun times we had with you and Carol, both home and abroad.

We will miss you even though we are thousands of miles away.

Love Mike and Pam

God bless XXXXX

Lennie Bauman
North little rock,
Liked
Friday, October 3, 2014

Mike was a close personal boyhood friend of mine. We grew up together in the baring cross area of north little rock. Mike and I worked together on the railroad in the car department for our entire career. I am saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family
-Lennie & Dorothy Bauman

Jerry (JJ) & Cecille Hughes
Jacksonville, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 2, 2014

Carolyn and Family......There was a group of young men hired by Missouri Pacific RR in the late 1960's.They worked together 35-45 years before they started retiring in the early 2000's. These "Car Knockers" worked side by side, at the Rip Track, the Service Track, the Paint Shop, the Yard and many other locations. They worked weird hours with crazy days off....and yet they formed a bond that was as strong as family. They shared their good and bad times together, they rejoiced in marriages, births, they prayed for each others spouses or children when they were going through devastating illnesses. They formed a bond that many workers don't have these days. They were not only Brothers in the Car Department, but they were Brothers of the Heart. Losing Mike leaves a deep hole in their hearts. Mike will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him as a friend and as a co-worker and boss.. I also wanted to tell you something that Mike did for me.......Every time I saw Mike, he always gave me a big hug......I had Breast Cancer and JJ and I came down in the yards for some reason....Mike was helping with some re-railing. When he saw me, he stopped what he was doing and came over to the car to give me a hug...this was the day of my 36th wedding anniversary and my husband had to shave my head that morning because the chemo was causing my hair to fall out.. I was not having a good day but when Mike hugged me, he said "you are the prettiest bald headed woman I have ever seen"....that meant so much to me.....he knew I needed that encouragement......RIP Michael G. Your work here on earth was done....Keep watch over us until we see you again my friend....

Jerry (JJ) & Cecille Hughes
Jacksonville, AR
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Carolyn and family,

Deann Vick
Dardanelle, AR
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Carolyn, Having been a Hospice Nurse for the past 16 years I know the stress and pain you and Mike went through. I am so sorry for your loss.

Jerry Lewter
Hot Springs, AR
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Mike was one of my favorite all time people...he had the perfect balance... you knew you were getting the same guy everyday....I (like a lot of the guys a the RR) have some great Mike Avery stories....

Ann Vittitow Hobson
Frisco, TX
Liked
Thursday, October 2, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Mike's death. He was always one of favorite cousins and we could sure get into some trouble back in the days. He had an infectious smile that made everybody happy and will be missed. I am sorry that we did not see each other much in the last few years, but I know he always knew that I loved and cared for him. I know that my sweet Aunt Lula Jean was waiting for him when he walked through the gate. Love you dear cousin.

Pat and Susie Bearden
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 2, 2014

To Mike, dear friend, you fought the good fight and you did "whatever it takes" and now heaven is yours. To Carolyn, we have admired your strength and determination through it all. You never let Mike down. To our precious Robin our heart aches for you. You were surely your Daddy's little girl. To our sweet Blake we are so glad you and Mike became great friends, we know how much you will miss him. To Phil, Annette, Jared and Sara may Mike live in your hearts forever. To Jordan and Jonathan we are so proud of you and your love for Papa. You have shone muturity beyond your years. Papa will live on in both of you. You all have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and in our prayers.

Jim & Charlene Morgan
Fayetteville, AR
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Carolyn & Family. Our most sincere thoughts & prayers are with you all. Enjoyed the years working with Mike & the wonderful times our families visited for good times away from work too. Rest in Peace Mike.

Sharon Kerr
Indianapolis, IN
Liked
Thursday, October 2, 2014

Carol and family, Les (Lester, as Mike would say) and I were saddened to learn about Mike's death. he was a great person and he will be missed. Our love goes out to you across the miles. May God bless you all. Sharon Kerr

Jim and Karen Hoskins
,
Liked
Thursday, October 2, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Avery Family during this time of sorrow - Rest in Peace Mike.

Becky Scott
North Little Rock,, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Carol, My hearts hurts so much for you, I had been calling and could not get y'all, thought y'all might be in Florida. Bless you Robin, Phil and the precious grandkids. Mike was such a special man, at the nursing home dwhen your Mom and our Mom were there, Mike could get your Mom to eat when no one else could. He keep those patients laughing, he was loved by many at the nursing home. We have some sweet memories from there and our 2 families became like 1. May you feel God's loving arms around you and your family and may you feel God's peace. Sending love and a hug to you Carol.My Goodness Mike you are really going to be missed friend.

Scott and Aimie Ellerbee
Sheridan, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Avery was a wonderful mentor and friend to Scott. He will be greatly missed.

Randy Avery
Rogers, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Carol, Robin, Phil, grandkids, Steve and EJ...God bless you and comfort you as you go through this difficult time. I have wonderful memories of Mike, going all the way back to how exciting it was when my family would meet the train in Prescott when Uncle Raymond, Aunt Lula Jean, Mike, Steve and Lisa would come to visit in the summer. Whenever Mike would travel anywhere near Prescott with work, he was faithful to stop by to visit Mom and Dad, and then Dad. I know God blessed him for that. I could go on, but let me just say Mike loved people and was full of life! Now he has won, and is enjoying life everlasting that is more full than we can even imagine! God bless you.

Gary & Ruth Franklin
Sherwood,
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Carolyn and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sadness.
Mike was loved, admired, & respected by all who knew him. He lives on in each of you & is still with you.
Share the happy memories and and all the happy times.
Our lives were all the better by knowing Mike Avery.

Jerilynn Parish
Monticello, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

So sorry to hear of Mike`s passing. please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy (Jones) Kelly
Vero Beach, FL
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Carolyn, Phil and Robin and all family please know how sorry we are for the loss of Mike!! I have so many great memories of Mike and I know my parents have even more :) I am certain that he and dad have had a big reunion by now!! We love you guys and will be praying for you!!!

Gino & Kathy Morrison
Hazen,
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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

With our sympathy and prayers.

Sue & Doyle Rankins
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Carol, Robin, Phil and Avery family ~
Keep the good memories in your heart and he will always be with you. Mike was truly a great friend and a blessing through all the years we shared with him. He will be greatly missed.

"You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him, only that he is gone. Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

Our prayers are with all of you.♥ Doyle and Sue

Karen Jaworski
North Little Rock, AR
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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Carol, Philip and Robin.......Paul and I extend our sympathy at this difficult time. Your husband and dad was a wonderful person to know and be around. We will certainly miss him as a neighbor. May he rest in peace.