Nicholas J. Avery, September 24, 1965 – April 26, 2015, Another American Hero has departed this world to guard the gates of heaven with his brothers that went before him. Ret. Gunnery Sergeant USMC, Nick Avery, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26th 2015, at the age of 49. He left this world, with family by his side, after years of battling PTSD and a rare form of dementia caused by a traumatic brain injury from numerous exposures to IED blasts while he served his country in Iraq during OIF. Nick attended Harper Creek High School, transferring to Howe Military School in Howe, IN, where he graduated in 1984. In 1985 Nick enlisted in the Marine Corps, reporting to and graduating from the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego California. Nick continued his service in the Marine Corps, for many years, as a reservist in Battle Creek with the 6th Engineering Bridge Company. Nick served in two over seas deployments. In 1990-1991 Nick was deployed to serve during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and in 2003 Nick was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as a EngrSptCo, 6th ESB, 4th FSSG Utilities Chief. Nick honorably retired from the Marine Corps in June 2006 after more than 20 years of service to his country. Nick was employed at the Avery family business as the President of A&B Cleaning & Environmental Services Inc. in Battle Creek. Nick loved his children and was a proud and dedicated father to Storm and Suzannah Avery. Nick adored his daughter Suzy and enjoyed watching her perform with her dance and pom teams. She was “Daddy’s Princess” and truly his number one girl. Nick and Storm shared an enjoyment for hockey and Nick participated as a coach for Storm’s travel hockey team. Nick instilled the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment to his children and in 2011 Storm enlisted in the Marine Corps. Nick’s pride was overflowing as he attended Storm’s graduation from boot camp. Storm is currently serving as a Corporal at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. Nick loved history, reading, sports, and most of all, his family. Nick had many friends and cherished the moments of love and laughter with those who loved him. Nick is survived by his children Storm N. Avery & Suzannah K. Avery; parents James & Elaine (DeLong) Avery; Grandmother Christine DeLong; sisters Jillena (Daniel) Kellogg, Katherine (Todd) Kreykes, & Deborah (Chad) Lampert, and many nieces and nephews. Nick had a wonderful and loving relationship with his parents and sisters whom adored him and was extremely proud of his service and commitment. Nick’s Family would like to thank the care-givers at the Eisenhower Center for Traumatic Brain Injury, the Semper Fi Fund, the community as well as all his friends and family for the amazing love and support they gave during Nick’s battle with his illness. Nick was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many and he will be greatly missed. However, we take great comfort in knowing he is now in heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ, who makes all things new. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30 at Richard Henry Funeral Home from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral Services will be held Friday May 1st, at 11:00am at Family Altar Chapel 14844 Six and a Half Mile Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49014. Pastor Mike Howard of CityLinC Ministries will officiate. Interment will be held immediately following the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Eisenhower Center for TBI, 3200 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 or to semperfifund.org. www.henryfuneralhome.org
