In loving memory of Senior Chief Petty officer Joe Bailey Avirett, Jr. who passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025 at the age of 77 in Fleming Island, Florida. Joe was born on March 2, 1948 in Hillsborough, Texas. He dedicated his life to family and serving his community.

Joe proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served in the Vietnam Conflict and was stationed all over the world during his time of service. Joe also held multiple Masters Degrees and certifications.

After serving with the U.S. Navy, he retired from Florida Community College of Jacksonville (now Florida State College of Jacksonville) where he was an Assessment Manager at the North Campus.

He served the community as a ride-along with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, an associate member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ and volunteered with Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years.

Joe was an avid gardener, wood-worker, a great fisherman and enjoyed hiking, including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Coast Highway, Georgia Mountains and more. He also enjoyed time at the American Legion Post 0316 and the Chief's Club at Mayport with his U.S. Navy brothers and sisters, often helping maintain the club as well as enjoying a cold Bud Light there, too!

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Bailey Avirett, Sr. and Ruth Goldman and daughter, Joely Avirett Crane. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Kathryn Avirett, his son  Michael L. Avirett, grandson Dylan Avirett and granddaughter Annalise Crane. He is also survived by his step children John R. Keith, II (Rachel), Cristopher D. Keith (Adria) and Cristen K. Futral  (Jeremy) and step grandchildren Sydney Richardson, Ryan, Erynn, Olivia, Myles and great grandson Christian.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held on October 31, 2025 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery located at 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Vitas Healthcare Hospice, North Florida Council Boy Scouts of America and First Christian Church DOC on San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida.