Joey Duwayne Avila

On Friday, January 28, 2022, Joey Duwayne Avila of Glade Hill entered into the gates of heaven with a smile on his face and his hands raised high as he saw the face of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As an early riser, Joey awoke every morning to pray intercessory prayers for his family and friends. His main goal was to lead the lost unto seeking salvation. Left here on earth to continue his prayers and ambition is his devoted and broken-hearted wife, Crystal Turner-Avila; his mother, Margaret Bowers; very best friend and father-in-law, Rev. Denver Turner (Donna); his brothers, Jerry Avila, David Taylor (Brandie); brother-in-law, John Turner (Marcia); nephews, Josh Taylor, John T. Turner, Charlie Taylor; niece, Alexis Turner; step-brother, Jimmy Bowers (Ginny); step-sister, Judy Smith; 28 yearlong friend/brother Doug Blankenship; numerous family, church family, firefighter and EMT families; and special granddaughter, Karlee. Joey served the City of Salem starting in 1986 and became a senior firefighter at the Salem Fire Department from 1996 until his retirement in 2017. The family appreciates condolences and will receive family and friends at his home, 22 Red Oak Lake, Glade Hill, Va. Flowers are accepted, however donations are advised to be made to his church, Wirtz Assembly of God, 1718 Burnt Chimney Road, Wirtz, VA 24184. The family also appreciates prayers for the inmates of Franklin County Jail where he and Doug ministered in the morning devotions. Funeral services will be conducted at Flora Funeral Chapel 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022 with Pastor Denver Turner and John Turner officiating. Interment will follow in the Turner Family Cemetery. His family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.