Surrounded by loved ones, Leonard Franklin Avery, Sr., 89, of Maysville, KY peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Maysville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Leonard, the son of the late Clarence Avery, Sr, and Annabelle Avery Coleman, was born on October 16, 1934, in Cynthiana, Kentucky.  Later in life, he moved to Maysville and earned his living and provided for his family as a self-employed carpenter.  He was well known for his remarkable skills and possessed a unique ability to tell entertaining stories that were guaranteed to both intrigue and produce effusive laughter from all who were fortunate enough to sit in on his storytelling sessions.

Leonard leaves to mourn his passing 12 sons and 9 daughters: Larry Avery (Beverly), San Antonio, Texas; Tim Avery, Paris; Connie Avery Snowden (Timothy), Lexington; Lisa Avery, Paris; Sandy Avery D'acquisto (Bill), Georgetown; Carrie Jackman, Lexington; Patrick Avery, Sr. (Trina), Millersburg; William (Billy) Tucker, Maysville; Karl Tucker (Angie), Lexington; Harry Smith (Kendra), Lexington; Anita Avery Boyd (Tony), Maysville; Leonard (Lennie) Avery, II, Maysville; Sean Myrick (Becky), Maysville; Walter Smith, Lexington; Phil Lang, Lexington; Derrick Commodore, Maysville; Stacey Martin, Tallahassee, FL; Juan Avery (Melinda), Manchester, OH; and Brittany Avery, North Carolina.

Survivors also include his sister, Mae Hodge, of Louisville and his two brothers, Charles and Bill Coleman (Billie) of Indianapolis, IN.

Leonard will also be greatly missed by 79 grandchildren, 104 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren who all were crazy about their "Papaw".  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately called him "Uncle Leonard" and were quick to seek him out at family gatherings and traveled many miles just to be in his presence.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, George Avery and Clarence Avery, Jr. and 5 sisters, Anna Avery Roberts, Gertrude Avery Cooley, Patricia Coleman, Mary Coleman, and Loretta Coleman, and one great granddaughter, Aaliyah Gibson.

Leonard's memorial homegoing service, led by Pastor Greg Jones, will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 30, 2023.  Prior to the service, a memorial visitation will be held from 12 pm until the time of the service.  Both will take place at the Calvary Baptist Church, 410 Pelham Street, Maysville, KY.  Knox and Brothers Funeral is serving the family. Condolences at knoxbrothersfuneralhome.com