John M. Averill, Sr.

John M. "Monta" Averill, Sr., age 83, of 475 Main Street, Byromville, died Friday, September 4, 2020, at Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele.

Born in Columbus, he was the son of the late John Sylvester Averill, Jr. and Lula Moore Hester Averill.  He was a 1955 graduate of Montezuma High School and earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from Auburn University in 1959.  He served in the US Army Corps of Engineers and retired from Robins Air Force Base where he was chief structural engineer for the C130's.  He was a loyal member of Byromville Baptist Church, the FBIC Sunday School Class and the Seasoned Saints.  Monta was known as "Mr. Fix-it" by his family.  He restored his old car and was a member of the Cordele Cruisers, restored his old house which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and restored his airplane and was a member of the Southeastern Bonanza Society.  Monta was devoted to his family and loved the Town of Byromville, his home since 1962.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sally Saliba Averill of Byromville; his son, John M. Averill, Jr. of Byromville; his daughter, Julianna Averill Brannen of Byromville; his grandchildren, John M. Averill, III (Jenn) of Byromville, Jared Averill (Lea) of Byromville, Clinton B. Brannen, IV (Rachel) of Sharpsburg and Sarah-Averill Brannen of Byromville; 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two closest friends, Robert Peavy and Colonel John Baker.

A private funeral service for immediate family only will be held at 3 PM Sunday, September 6 in Byromville Baptist Church.  A public graveside service will be held at 4 PM in Hephzibah Cemetery.  Please remember to social distance at the cemetery.

The family may be contacted at 475 Main Street, Byromville.

Memorial gifts may be made to Byromville Baptist Church, PO Box 126, Byromville, Georgia 31007.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.