Rod Lewis Avery

Rodney (Rod) Avery, age 83, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on August 24th, 2026 after a brief hospital stay. Rod was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Rod served in the Army from 1965 to 1968 as a paratrooper and medic. Rod returned to Denver to continue his education where he met his wife of 51 years, Paula. Rod and Paula moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Rod taught at Jemez and Laguna Pueblos.

Rod was a life-long chess player and coach. His chess teams won many league and state awards. He was recognized by the New Mexico Chess Organization in the Distinguished Service Registry as an outstanding coach and Teacher of the Year at Laguna Pueblo for his work with students in chess. He was an active member of Hoffmantown Church where he taught, studied, and had fellowship with many Christian brothers and sisters.

Rod was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Bob) Carney; mother, Hortence Dorothy Avery; and brother, Ronald Lane Avery. He is survived by his wife, Paula Avery; brother, Barry Wayne Avery (Cheryl), sisters-in-law, Katherine Brodie (Rick), Sharon G. Harris, and Linda Avery Coatney; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held at Hoffmantown Church at 8888 Harper Dr NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 on September 12th, 2026 at 11a.m.