Charles "Chuck" Edward Avery Jr was born into eternal life July 30, 2022 after valiantly fighting cancer.

Chuck was born to Charles Edward and Lillian Joan (Gildner) Avery on November 12, 1961 in Traverse City. He grew up in Mancelona and graduated an Ironman in 1979. He attended Northwestern Michigan College earning an Associate's Degree in Petroleum Technology.

Chuck married the love of his life and, in his words, "girl of his dreams," Jenifer "Jen" Renee (Wolf), June 1, 1985 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Old Mission Peninsula. In addition to Jen, Chuck will be missed dearly by his two children, Hayley Avery and Collin (Megan) Avery. He is survived by his four older siblings, Kay Avery-Cornell (Steve Cornell), Marilyn Avery-Swan (Larry Swan), Shirley (Sam) Tracey, Bill (Val) Avery, and their families. In addition to his siblings, he is also survived by Jen's four older siblings, Greg (Cheryl) Wolf, Michele (Larry) Morey, Barb (Jim) Gauthier, Colleen (Steve) Morgan, and their families.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Lil, his nephew Charles "Chuckie" Avery, and his in-laws, Bob and Pat (Weatherholt) Wolf.

Throughout his life, work ethic was a core family value. Chuck learned a passion for cooking, food, and helping people working at his family's restaurant, Avery's Restaurant in Mancelona. He would later work for various construction companies, Kinnco, Butternut Bread, and ultimately at Coca-Cola as a delivery driver. Chuck was proud of the work he did in his 31-year career at Coca-Cola, and even more so that his last day of work he delivered, and unloaded, two trucks in Cadillac.

Chuck was a helper. His favorite activities allowed him to share his passion for food and friends. For over a decade he was instrumental in Glad Meals, the soup kitchen run through St. Francis High School, and the Traverse City Safe Harbor meals. Kitchens were his element: giving life advice, teaching young adults cooking skills and how to respect others by example. Chuck was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish. To bring more youth involvement to the mass, he led young people as ushers and in groups assisting elderly into the church. He taught teens how to properly push wheel chairs, engage in conversations, and truly be the body of Christ. He often said that how you treat people, no matter their position in life, determines your character.

Chuck had an undeniable zest for life. He enjoyed nothing more than family and fun; laughter filled the house when he shared stories and told his notorious Dad Jokes. Chuck was always there for everything his kids participated in, such as martial arts tournaments, sporting events, and musicals. In recent years, he enjoyed helping his children with their own home projects. The only thing Chuck loved more than assisting his community was helping his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 5, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Traverse City, Michigan. Visitation will be at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a scripture service at 6:30 PM, and one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church. Chuck will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, in Mapleton, at 2:30 PM Friday, August 5, 2022.

In reflection of the color and life he brought to every situation, Chuck requested that his funeral to be viewed as a celebration and for everyone to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, and per Chuck's request, please consider contributions to one of three charities he has chosen: Cowell Family Cancer Center, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Child Life Specialists, or Tunnels to Towers.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com