Avery Ladd, Jr.

Avery James Ladd Jr. age 43 of Cleveland, TN succumbed to his injuries on December 1, 2023, while living in Reno Nevada. At the time of his passing he was employed by Telsa as a CMM Programmer. Avery held many amazing positions at very reputable companies, such as Georgia- Pacific, Volkswagen of America, Whirlpool Corporation, and Merck just to name a few. He was also an independent travel agent, a freelance artist, where he did drawings, paintings, murals, T-shirts and redesigned buildings and offices with his art work. Avery was a notary public and also a certified welder from Cleveland, State Community College. In his free time he coached basketball for several different centers in Cleveland, TN., YMCA, CYFL and Bradley Parks and Recreation.

Avery loved his friends and family immensely. He never met a stranger. He smiled at everybody he saw, spreading the joy he always walked around with. He was a motivational speaker who was always trying to help the younger generation not go down the wrong path and redirect the ones that were headed for trouble. He always had words of encouragement and looked for positivity in every situation. He was a protector of those that he loved. No matter what the situation was, day or night we could always count on Avery to come save the day. He was the type to visit family often and the type of friend who always reached out to see how many and friends were doing. He swore he was so funny with his corny dad jokes! But nieces and nephews found him to be hilarious so that’s all that mattered. They couldn’t say his name, so they called him Uncle Gravy.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Dreta Lashelle Lovelady, grandparents, Charles Cook, Patricia Jarrett, and great-parentsWillie Mae Blair, and James Blair, granddaughter Maizie Jane Ladd.

Survivors include his children, Xavier “Ladd” Brown, Taja “Ladd” Ware, Shakurr Ladd. Step-children, William Sawyer, Troy Sawyer, Marcus Sawyer, Lebron Sawyer and Allie Ladd. Grandchildren, Zy’mir Brown, and Alaysia Brown.  Sister, Shaunta Ladd, and brother Christopher Ladd. Father, Avery Ladd Sr. Brother-in-law, Wesley Scott. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, special cousins, Michael Dugais, Denver Anderson, and Michael Steward,special uncles and aunt, Charlie Cook, David Steward, and Joan Steward, Jean Covington and Keith Blair, special friends, along with “Uncle Bill”, and ex-wife of 13 years Crystal N. Sigler.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024  at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home – Cleveland, TN with Rev. Rodney Dunn officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Fort Hill Cemetery in Cleveland, TN.