Samuel Arthur Avery Sr

Sam Avery Samuel Arthur Avery Sr. age 64 of Atkins died Saturday, August 20, 2011. He was born February 21, 1947 at London to the late Loyd Q. and Margaret Virginia Tillman Avery. He attended the Refuge church and was an avid sports fan and his favorite athletes were his family members. He coached multiple sports teams throughout his life. He loved to cycle; he loved photography and Notre Dame. He worked for Con Agra as a fork lift operator for 42 years. His cycling accomplishments are as follows: Hotter "N" Hell 100 mile bicycle ride – 2007-2010, Northwest Arkansas Challenge, a four-day, 390-mile ride, Tour De Oink 2005-2010, Tour De Wine 2005-2010, Big Dam Bridge Ride 2005-2010, Tour De Valley 2005-2011, Pedal the Peak 2007-2010. For training, Sam averaged 100 miles per week. He was in the Senior Olympics – 2009 and 2010. He won several medals in various sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Loyd Q. Avery; a grandson, Samuel Caleb Loyd Avery. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Rebekah Childs Avery of Atkins; two sons, Samuel Avery Jr. and wife Louise of Casa, Jeffery Avery and wife Sayuri of Honolulu, Hawaii; one daughter, Kayla Lynch and husband Zach of Dardanelle; three step-children, David "Rain" Dennis and wife Ashley of Dover, Shawn Wheeler and wife Jennifer of Conway, Kelly Patterson of Conway; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren and many other relatives. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday at the First Baptist Church in Casa with Jackie Townsell officiating. Burial will be in Casa Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Kevin Douglas, Joe Alexander, David Dennis, Barry Fisher, Joey Fisher, Jeff May, Justin Avery and Josh Avery. A Memorial Ride will start at 6 p.m. at the Old Post Park Tennis Court Parking Lot to Cornwell Funeral Home in his Honor. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Share the Road Program, Russellville Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 east Parkway, Russellville, Ark. 72801. Arrangements By Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle. Online guest book and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com Memory website: http://samavery.last-memories.com.