James "Jimmy" Earl Avant

James “Jimmy” Earl Avant, 90, of Bladenboro, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, while at Wesley Pines Nursing Facility in Lumberton. He was born on March 11, 1936, and raised in Bladen County, the son of Thurman Earl Avant and Rosa Lee Davis Avant.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Doris Jean Hester Avant and brother, Julius Avant of Elizabethtown, NC. He leaves behind his daughter, Elizabeth Avant Lari (Mike) of Shelby, NC; James W. “Woody” Avant (Michelle) of Bladenboro; five grandsons: William Lari (Michelle) of China Grove, NC; Jackson Lari (Rileigh) of Shelby, NC; Nick Lari of Shelby, NC; Dylan and Luke Avant of Bladenboro, NC; sister, Iris Avant Goins, Lumberton, NC and Pam Avant Benton (Tim) of Bladenboro, NC; sister-in-law Lyndia Avant of Elizabethtown, NC; and sister-and-brother-in-law Ann and Guy Walters of Lenoir, NC, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was a devoted Christian husband, father, G-daddy (Granddaddy), and friend. He retired from Campbell Oil Company with more than 20 years of dedicated service. He cherished his annual Florida fishing trips with his fishing buddies, a lifetime of trips to the beach with Ann and Guy Walters, devotions and service projects with his Sunday school class at FBC Bladenboro, and many adventures with his and Doris’ long-term book and supper-club friends. He enjoyed a good meal, a good laugh, and the company of loving family and friends. His warmth and humor never failed, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In his final years, he was well-loved and loved well at Wesley Pines, and his family is especially grateful for the special staff there who helped provide such wonderful care to “Mr. Jimmy,” in his final years.

The family will receive friends beginning at 2:30 pm on Saturday, March 28,2026 at Bladenboro First Baptist Church, immediately followed by the funeral service at 3:30pm. Burial services will follow in the Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bladenboro First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 176 Bladenboro, NC 28320 or to Wesley Pines Benevolent Fund, 1000 Wesley Pines Rd., Lumberton, NC 28358.