Robert J. Avery

August 9, 1947 - December 27, 2019

Robert J. Avery, 72, of Blountville, went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2019. He was born on August 9, 1947 at his family home in Upton, KY to the late Paul Cleaver and Nancy Roddey Avery. Bob graduated from the University of Kentucky with a chemical engineering degree in 1969, then moved to Kingsport to work at Eastman Chemical Company. He retired as a Senior Associate after a distinguished 35 year career, highlighted by special recognition for many environmental and regulatory achievements. Bob was an avid traveler, enjoying trips to numerous countries for business and pleasure, including two treks in Nepal, multiple trips to Europe, Japan, China, and a mission trip to Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping to establish an English teacher for impoverished Nepali students, helping to reconstruct the school and support a Nepali missionary church. He was an active member of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder, dispersing treasurer and mission committee member for many years. Bob loved being outdoors, and he particularly enjoyed spending time on the lake with family and friends. Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Susan Keith Avery; daughter, Anne Necaise and husband, Gus (Laurel Anne, Harper, and Aubrey); sons, Will Avery and wife, Jenny (Caden and Hudson) and Luke Avery and wife, Ashley (Sullivan and baby boy due in February of 2020); sister, Paulette Cassell; numerous other family members and friends. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be conducted at 3:00 pm, Monday, December 30, 2019 in the sanctuary at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Road, Kingsport with Rev. Collin Adams officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the Waverly Road Presbyterian Church – Missions Committee. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Holston Valley Medical Center for the care and compassion during this difficult time. The care of Robert J. Avery and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.