of Vilonia, AR
December 8, 1939 - August 7, 2024
Don Elwood Avra, 84, of Vilonia, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was born on December 8, 1939 in Hamlett, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, LA and Anna Lou Avra. He married Shirley (Ritchey) Avra on September 11, 1965 in Pacific, Missouri. Don served in the United States military from 1962 to 1965, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for a good part of his service. Don was in the HVAC maintenance department at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas for 43 years. He was an ordained deacon at Sunny Gap Baptist Church, he was a dedicated member of their congregation for 25 years. He was a God-fearing man, he didn't speak often but when he did, you'd do good to listen. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch to wave at anyone who passed, watching old Westerns, listening to Don Williams, rooting for the Cubs and spending treasured time with friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife, Shirley Avra; children, Angela (Charles) Seeburger and Melanie (Todd) Mace; grandchildren, Courtney (Jacob) Fenske, Raydyn (Noah) French and Ian Mace; sisters, Wanona Ruple, Shelia Avra and numerous friends and loved ones.
Don's life will be honored and celebrated on Monday, August 12th, 2024 at 10:00am, there will be a visitation held the night before from 5:00-7:00 on August 11th, both to be held at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas.
Burial will follow at Beryl Cemetery in Vilonia, Arkansas. Pallbearers will include Austin Ritchey, John Brown, Nathan Rappold, Weston Ritchey, Drew Ritchey, Brandon Harris, Shawn Harris and Jayson Stell, Ed Norris will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
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19 Condolence(s)
Parnell Etteldorf
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Shirley, I enjoyed talking with Don at the last reunion that I attended. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed our friendship.
Debi Avra
Monday, August 12, 2024
Melanie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Ricky and Cherie Johnson
Monday, August 12, 2024
We are so sad to hear about Mr. Don. He was a wonderful man. We pray for comfort during this difficult time and days to come. He will be greatly missed by so many that had the honor to meet him. We love you Mrs. Shirley
Cindy H Troillet
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Shirley & the girls,
I loved working with Don at the Physical Plant at Hendrix. He was such a wonderful person. Always, always, so helpful & kind. Such a gentle giant! I know you all will miss him so much. May God give you peace & comfort.
Much love,
Cindy Hambuchen Troillet
james mullenax
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Don Avra was a very good person. May God bless his family.
RIP, James Mullenax
DEENA BEATY
Friday, August 9, 2024
I'm so very sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Don, Sending hugs and continued prayers for Mrs. Shirley and the entire family.
Linda Dollar
Friday, August 9, 2024
Sis, so sorry to hear about Don. He was a wonderful person and I know you will miss him, God Bless!
Flora Humphrey
Friday, August 9, 2024
My dear Shirley and family. I am so sorry to hear about Don. I know he made you all very happy. He was a good man of God. He will be missed by all those who knew him. But someday there will be a reunion like you have never seen! Until then, may God grant you all peace knowing that. I love you my sister/friend.
Flora Humphrey
Friday, August 9, 2024
My dear Shirley and family. I am so sorry to hear about Don. I know he made you all very happy. He was a good man of God. He will be missed by all those who knew him. But someday there will be a reunion like you have never seen! Until then, may God grant you all peace knowing that. I love you my sister/friend.
Susan Arnett
Friday, August 9, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Don was a good friend and neighbor and we will miss him.
Andrea Duncan
Thursday, August 8, 2024
I am so sorry for the loss of Don. Prayers for Ms Shirley and the family. Such a sweet, sweet family.
Dana Moseley
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Our sympathy to the family of Don
Avra. His love for his family was wonderful. Our daughter spent good times with the Avra family. God Bless you all in your time of sorrow. Moseley Family
Jo Ann Cagle
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Don was a quiet, but sincere man. He was a loving family man and was a great example of a Christian. He will definitely be missed. My prayers are with the family at this time.
Terri Upton
Thursday, August 8, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with all that love Mr. Don It was a pleasure to wait on him for many years at a few different places. I love to talk to him and Mrs. Shirley I appreciate you all being part of my life you would always come to see me even when I worked at Walmart. I love you all
Kristy Lewis
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Shirley, I was sad to hear of Dons passing, you and your family are in my prayers
Tom Erbach
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Shirley and family. Nancy and I are saddened to learn of Don's passing. He was truly a good man. you guys will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Terri Roofener
Thursday, August 8, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time. Praying for peace and comfort now and in the days to come. Don was such a sweet man. He will be missed by so many.
John Brown
Thursday, August 8, 2024
He was definitely one of the Greats. Gonna miss you my friend and Mentor!!!
Rinda Hensley
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Deepest sympathies, prayers and love.