Ernest Joseph Avra, Jr., son of Ernest J. Avra, Sr. and Beulah Wright Avra, was born on May 14, 1931, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully May 29, 2026, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Tommie Jo Hall Avra; his parents; his sister, Janice Hannon; and great-granddaughter Ava Grace Guerin.
He was a 1949 honor graduate of North Little Rock High, where he was a member of the 1949 State Championship Wildcat basketball team. His secondary education included Texas Christian University and Westlawn School of Yacht Design.
His lifelong dream of being a business owner came at an early age with the creation of Caravelle Boats, followed by Vidare, a fiberglass satellite manufacturing plant. Later in life he went to Vivian, Louisiana, as a consultant/plant manager for VIP Boats. A U.S. Navy Veteran, he had many titles and duties in his career which spanned over six decades and in four states. He served as Mayor of Vivian, Louisiana, where he also served as a Board Director of Citizens Bank and Trust. He was proud to have finished his first novel at age 89. Despite his accomplishments throughout his career, it was his title of Poppy of which he was the proudest.
He is survived by his daughter Deborah (Dr. Robert) Beaton; and sons Donnie (Debbie) Avra; Doug (Sandy); and David (Debi.) He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amanda (Chris) Shepherd; Sawyer Beaton; Dax (Molly) Beaton; Adam (Amy) Avra; Brian (Emily) Avra; Nathanael (Betsy)Tilley; Justin Avra; Drew (Shannon) Avra; Jacob (Rachel) Avra; Daren Avra; Jordan (Lacey) Avra; Joy Bernet; Allison (Pete) Guerin; Ashley (Jim) Clark; and ten great-grandchildren. His sister, Bettye Gray, and his nieces and nephews also survive to cherish his memory.
He and Jo enjoyed a long life together until her passing in 2022. Their early family days in Lakewood (North Little Rock), the new lives built and friends gained in both Conway and Vivian, their earlier travel adventures with close friends, and then their return home to much of the family provided a rich life with many wonderful memories. One of their favorite pastimes in their later years was watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and their much-loved St. Louis Cardinals.
In keeping with the wishes of Gammy and Poppy, a family memorial will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com