Fred's journey began on October 20, 1921 to Fred & Annie Avery in Greensboro, NC.

His educational journey included Percy Street Elementary School, James B. Dudley High School, and Tennessee A&I State College in Nashville, TN. His education was abruptly interrupted when he was called to serve his country in the United States Army. His story continued when he served in WWII in Germany from 1942-1945 as a Tank Driver.

He returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Gertrude Guy on Christmas Day 1947. They began their family two years later with one handsome son, Fred, III and two beautiful daughters, Helen and Katherine.

Fred was employed by the U.S. Postal Services for 27 years. He retired in 1988.

He loved his family, watching sports especially the Dallas Cowboys, drinking coffee, and reading the newspaper. His main hobby was maintaining an immaculate lawn with beautiful flowers that he and Gertrude planted together. Fred also loved his church, where he had been a member for 91 years. He believed he was to serve God wherever he was needed. Fred never missed an opportunity to display his warm, infectious smile to all that he met.

Fred was preceded in death by his son, Fred D. Avery, III and two sisters, Geraldine Avery Dawson and Mary Frances Avery Simmons.

He leaves to mourn his loss a loving wife of 70 years, Gertrude Guy Avery; daughters, Helen Avery Russell & Katherine Avery Maynard; grandsons, Fred D. Avery, IV and Christopher T. Russell; great granddaughters, Jaida & Breanna Avery; sister, Dr. Martha Ann Avery; nephews & nieces, Earl Simmons, Avery Simmons (Hazel), Khalilah Allah-Lee, Terrance Milo (Tanya), Karen McAdoo, and Guyrene Richardson (Thurman).

A homegoing celebration will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St. James Presbyterian Church, 820 Ross Avenue, Greensboro. Visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 11:30 am.