Dr.William Avery

AVERY - Dr. William Allen Avery, 72, of Grand Rapids, passed away at home on Thursday, March 17, 2011 from complications related to ALS. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Patricia (Whetsel) Avery; his son, Brian Avery; his daughter, Laura Avery; son-in-law, Jake Remley, and beloved grandsons, William and Jonathan Remley. He is survived by his brother, Christopher Avery of Grandville, Ohio and was preceded in death by his sister, Leslie Faulkner. Dr. Avery was born February 25, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Denison University and the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and practiced dentistry in Grand Rapids from 1969 until 2010. Dr. Avery was an active member of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and served on many committees including Annual Session, Scientific Program, Dental Education, Peer Review, House of Delegates, and the American Dental Association's Commission on Accreditation. He was a past president of the Western Michigan Dental Association. Dr. Avery previously served on the Michigan State Board of Dentistry and also served as chief examiner of the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners. Some of his greatest contributions occured during the numerous years of service in the MDA House of Delegates. Dr. Avery was a recipient of the MDA's John G. Nolen Meritorious Award, the association's highest honor. Additionally, he received an Honorary Life Membership from the Francis B. Vedder Society of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics. Dr. Avery was also awarded the Western Michigan Dental Association's Silent Bell Award for his outstanding contributions to dentistry, the dental society and his community. Dr. Avery was also a very active member of the Grand Rapids East Rotary Club, serving as chairperson from 1986-1994. He was recently designated a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotarians. Dr. Avery enjoyed collecting Lionel model trains, photography, ballroom dance, skiing, and spending time with family on Lake Bellaire in Northern Michigan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Avenue, S.E. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary Foundation. The family is being served by Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service