Mr. Edgar Lee Avirett Sr.

Edgar L. Avirett , Sr., 97, of Tallahassee, Florida went to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 17, 2011 after a long full life dedicated to his family and his Creator. Edgar was born on June 6, 1914 to Herman and Vinney Stewart Avirett in the small north Florida logging community of Millville outside of Panama City. When orphaned at an early age Edgar and his sister Julia were sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle, Annie and Edgar Nicholson, at their farm near Shady Rest in Gadsden County. Edgar attended Havana High School where he excelled, graduating as Class Salutatorian. As a young man he had the privilege of serving as a page in the Florida Legislature and even 80 years later would delight visitors to his home with his recitation of the roll call he heard daily while serving there. After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Edgar returned and lived in Tallahassee, working for the State Department of Transportation from which he retired in 1965. He also worked a decade with the City of Tallahassee’s Cemeteries Operations before calling it a career to enjoy his retirement. Edgar was honored by being featured in the Wisdom of the Ages exhibit held at the Mary Brogan Museum where his recorded memories of growing up in rural north Florida were greatly enjoyed by those who visited the exhibit. Edgar was a long-time member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church and also was proud to be a 32nd degree life member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Edgar was blessed in his life with the love of two wonderful wives, Genevieve Harris and Ann Booth, who predeceased him along with his parents, his sister Julia and half-brother Arthur Granthum and half-sister Beth Granthum. He is survived by his loving son Edgar Lee Avirett, Jr. and his wife Linda Lee Frazier, his grandson Neal Ryan Avirett and wife Julie Callaham Avirett and Edgar’s great grandchild Brianna Lee Avirett. He and his family are indebted to the wonderful caregivers Ana Magnin, Sara Magnin, Shirley Holsey, and Rachael Miller who worked together to make Edgar’s final days comfortable and full of love and joy. Graveside services will be held Monday, November 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the Nicholson-Freeman Cemetery in Gadsden County where Edgar will be interred between his two wives. The Nicholson-Freeman Cemetery is located on State Road 12 between Quincy and Havana adjacent to the former Nicholson House Restaurant. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army or other Christian charity of your choice.

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Mr. Edgar Lee Avirett Sr.

June 6, 1914 - November 17, 2011