Roy Houston Avans, Sr.
Sgt. Roy Houston Avans, Sr. “Sawbriar”, 79, of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, took his heavenly journey on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
He left school early to volunteer to serve in the United States Marines in 1961. He was in the Cuban Missile Crisis before called to serve in Vietnam which he served two tours and received a purple heart among many other decorations. After the Marines he served in the National Guard for many years. He was a true American hometown hero.
He was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed collecting antiques, history, and socializing. He had an abundant amount of friends and never met a stranger.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Avans and Christine Haggard Avans; brother, Kenneth Avans; two grandchildren, Jacey and Jacob Avans.
Survivors include his son, Roy “Houston” Avans, Jr., daughter-in-law, Kristy Avans; two granddaughters, Madison Avans and Brittany (Dusty) Ruth; two great-granddaughters, Baylee and Catee; sister, Helen ( Clinton) Bradley; brother, Dale Avans and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends include Richard (Kaye) Rogers, Rock, Donald, Eugene, Vince, Marty, Gary, Roundman, Jay, Ralph Mosier and anyone else he ever met.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 4, at 5 p.m. CST at the Hooch, 401 South Cedar Ave, South Pittsburg, Tn. 37380.
He will be laid to rest at New Hope Cemetery in New Hope, Tn.
Arrangements are by Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Ave., South Pittsburg, Tn. 37380, 423 837-7176.