Charles Edward Avery, 86, of Americus, died Saturday, August 4, 2018 at his home. A native of Sumter County, he was born July 14, 1932 to the late Henry Clay Avery and Odesia Bowen Avery. After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he drove a truck for twenty-eight years. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Americus. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel in Americus. Pallbearers for the service include Tony Peavy, Taylor Peavy, Johnathan Avery, Sammie Mable, Dylan Taylor and Austin Taylor. Survivors include his wife of twenty-five years, Mary Avery of Americus; two daughters: Mary Rounds of Americus and Cindy Miller of Preston; a step-daughter, Nancy Peavy of Ellaville; three sons: Steve Avery of Americus, Charles Clay Avery of Virginia, and Kenny Avery of Americus. Also surviving are two sisters: Bernice Felker and Ima Jean Law, both of Oglethorpe; and a brother, Eugene Avery of Oglethorpe; special friend and caretaker, Sammie Mable; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including one special grandchild, Taylor Peavy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Annie Ruth Bellew; and two brothers, Leonard Avery and Billy Avery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.