Palestine High School Alumni Association

Bill Avera Jr 1943

05 / 23 / 1924  –  03 / 05 / 1973

H.R. “Bill” Avera Jr., of Jacksonville, son of Mrs. Mary Inez Avera of Palestine, died Monday (March 5, 1973) at his residence following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were to be held today at 4 p.m. in First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville. Burial was to be in Resthaven Cemetery under direction of Thompson Funeral Home.

Mr. Avera was born in Mart, Texas on May 23, 1924. He was a graduate of Palestine High School where he lettered in football. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in the Marshall Islands, Guam, and Marianna Islands, and was awarded a Purple Heart with one gold star.

He was past president of the Riders Club; secretary of Cherokee County Livestock Association; charter member of Cherokee County Wildlife Association, and a member of the American Legion.

Other survivors are his widow, Margie Avera; son, Bill Avera; brothers, Carl L. Avera, and Charles Ray Avera; sisters, Frances Evans, and Barbara Watts; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Source: Palestine Herald-Press 03-06-1973