Man of Avon: Emmett M. Avery, III '67
AVERY, Emmett Montrose III, fondly known as Dad, Daddy and Grandad to his family and "Rusty" to his many friends, peacefully passed away on July 9, 2018, in Richmond. He was born July 28, 1947, at Staurt Circle Hospital, the eldest son of Emmett Montrose Avery Jr. and Cornelia Anne Larus Avery; and was predeceased in death by his parents. He is survived by his seven children, Emmett IV (Alison), Hunter (Carol), Catherine (Patrick), Thomas (Sally), Sarah Gray, Griffin and Cornelia; as well as five grandchildren, Hudson, Emily, Caroline, James and Helen. Mr. Avery is also survived by his brother, Lewis Larus Avery (Latnae). Rusty's fondest childhood memories were the times he and Larus spent in Bon Air at his grandparents' home, Stony Point, picking apples in the orchid, swimming in the pool and taking jaunts down to the James at all times of the year. Rusty's early summers were spent at Camp Maxwelton in Rockbridge Baths, where he met life-long friends from all over the Commonwealth and North Carolina. He attended The Collegiate School, Staunton Military Academy, and graduated from Avon Old Farms in Avon, Connecticut in 1967. He attended the University of Tennessee before embarking on a career in sales and leasing, eventually forming his own leasing company, Rainsley Financial Corporation, which he owned and operated for over 32 years until his retirement. From his early 20s, Rusty was a skilled backgammon player, winning local and national tournaments. In the late 1980s, Mr. Avery was instrumental in rejuvenating sponsorship and the revival for the Strawberry Hill Races. He was a member of the Sons of the Revolution, The Commonwealth Club, The Country Club of Virginia and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Rusty enjoyed both fly and offshore fishing, duck hunting, dove shoots, summer vacations in Southern Shores, cooking and entertaining with his family and friends. After his retirement, he traveled extensively, spending several months of the year traveling to many places both near and far. Mr. Avery loved his seven children and five grandchildren dearly and their milestones and accomplishments brought him much joy and pride. Rusty will be remembered for his dry wit and hearty laugh (sprinkled with a few one-liners), uncanny memory of Richmond and Virginia history, quiet generosity and love of life. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 13, in Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Cornelia Larus Avery to the Autism Society of America, 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 350, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.