Theron Lawrence ‘Larry’ Avery

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Theron Lawrence “Larry” Avery passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 75. A brilliant computer scientist, devoted husband, and passionate gardener, Larry lived a life marked by technical excellence, quiet dedication, and love for the simple joys in life.

Avery was born on December 8, 1950 and was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes as a teen. He graduated from Bass Memorial Academy in 1968 and went on to earn his B.S. in computer science with a minor in mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1972.

Fresh out of college, Avery began his distinguished career with Texas Instruments in Austin, Texas. In November 1972, he returned home to marry his beloved Collene Carter, and they shared a loving relationship until her passing in 2011. His career took them from Texas to New Jersey, then to Alabama, before an adventurous six-year assignment took them to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where Larry worked for the U.S. Army.

The couple eventually settled in Vicksburg, where Avery continued his career with various defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Leidos, and SAIC, specializing in UNIX and Linux system administration and mass storage. He held top secret security clearance for much of his career, reflecting the sensitivity and importance of the systems he supported. Known for his deep technical expertise, reliability, and methodical approach, Avery earned the trust of colleagues and leadership alike.

Avery was a man of many passions beyond his professional accomplishments. An animal lover at heart, he had a special fondness for birds, particularly African grays. In the 1990s, Avery cultivated a beautiful rose garden and served as president of the local society. He was a serious vegetable gardener who took great pride in his harvests and sharing them with others. He loved to cook and found joy in preparing meals.

Avery was preceded in death by his wife, Collene Carter Avery (2011); his mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Davis Avery (2016); his father, Theron Mackey “Mack” Avery (2017); and his younger brother, Christopher Davis Avery (2018).

He is survived by his sisters, Vickie McNeily (Scott) and Angela Martin (Tom); numerous nieces and nephews; and friends and colleagues who admired his intelligence, integrity, and unmatched sense of humor.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, in the Chapel at Monsour & Patin Funeral Directors, 1830 Cherry Street, in Vicksburg.  A Reception celebrating Avery’s life will follow in the Gathering Hall of Monsour & Patin.  Interment will follow the graveside service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Coaltown Cemetery in Purvis, MS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Breakthrough T1D, (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), PO Box 5042 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042 or to a charity of your choice.