Anthony Nathaniel Avrette

Obituary for Anthony Nathaniel “Big O” Avrette

Anthony Nathaniel Avrette passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, after a fun-filled weekend at the beach surrounded by family and friends. Anthony had a larger-than-life personality that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He had broad shoulders that could carry a burden, a kind heart that welcomed everyone, and a loving spirit that left a mark on every life he touched.

Anthony was born on September 16, 1951, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Howard and Grace Avrette. He grew up in Fayetteville, Troy, and Lillington, North Carolina, and later attended Pembroke State University. He worked for Croft Metals, Purolator, and Campbell Soup, where he was known as a dependable and hardworking supervisor who led with fairness, humor, and integrity.

If a person’s treasure can be found by where they spend their time, it’s easy to see that Big O valued friendship and connection above all. He loved surf fishing, especially at Topsail Beach, and rarely missed an opportunity to be near the ocean or listen to beach music. He had a Monday night football group and a NASCAR group who gathered regularly to share laughter, food, and fellowship. He cherished the annual fathers-and-sons fishing weekends and the weeklong beach trips for the ACC basketball tournaments that became beloved traditions.

To his family, he was Anthony; to his fraternity brothers and lifelong friends, he was Big O; to his colleagues and neighbors, he was Tony—but the name he loved most was Poppa O. His greatest joy was being a father and grandfather. He took his family to Disney World nearly every year, creating countless happy memories, and never missed an opportunity to travel somewhere new, always eager to experience life to the fullest.

Anthony was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Avrette, and his parents, Howard and Grace Avrette. He is survived by his daughter, Kristie Meadows (Brandon) of Lumberton, NC; his son, Brian Avrette of Aurora, CO; and his beloved grandchildren, Mikayla, Kynadie, and Jaxon Meadows, and Ryan, Christopher, and Emberly Avrette. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Claypool, his brother, David Avrette (Cindy), and many adoring nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Big O dearly.

A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Arran Lake Baptist Church, 1130 Bingham Dr, Fayetteville, with internment taking place after at Cumberland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:45.

Anthony’s laughter, generosity, and love for life will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing that his was a life well-lived—filled with love, friendship, and joy.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Memorial Donations may be made to: Life Springs Dream Center 3215 Keller-Andrews Rd,
Sanford, NC 27330, USA

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