Tony Avery

Raleigh -  Tony Avery passed away at his home in Raleigh on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Tony was born in Erwin, N.C. on January 22, 1952 to Grace and Rufus Avery.  He attended school in Erwin and graduated from Erwin High School in 1970. During high school and for some time after graduation, Tony worked in the Erwin Cotton Mill Quality Control Lab. Tony also spent some time as a volunteer policeman for the Erwin Police Department.  He attended Cape Fear Community College, graduating with an Associate Degree in Instrumentation Technology.  A long career followed at the Sharon Harris Nuclear Facility.  When he retired, Tony blossomed as he returned to his loves of music and dance. He was very active in the Raleigh music scene where he founded the Raleigh Jam House on December 8, 2007.  With the mission of “Musicians Honoring Musicians,” this was a place where musicians could meet, play, and collaborate on musical projects. Tony was dedicated to this endeavor where he met so many wonderful friends.  He had a big heart and a great big smile to match.  He was a positive influence on many, many, people that knew and loved him as their own.  He loved parties and gatherings, organizing musical events and helping others.  He will truly be missed! He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Grace Avery and his Uncle Arlie.  He is survived by his brother Jim Tomosunas, many nieces, nephews, cousins, wonderful friends, and his best friend, a four-legged bundle of love named Jagger. The family will receive guests at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC at 1pm on Saturday, August 6th. Services will follow at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to http://spcawake.org/donate/ or any animal rescue effort.