Charles Richard Avitts

Charles Richard Avitts, age 78, of Alvin passed away on October 3, 2020 in Katy, Texas, after a brief illness. More commonly known as Richard by his family and friends, and in his younger years he went by Rich. Richard was born on October 31, 1941 in Alvin to parents, Elzie and Beulah (Harness) Avitts. Richard was a lifetime resident of Alvin and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married the love of his life, Mary Shipp, on November 23, 1983 in Los Angeles, California.

Richard’s love for music started in his early years. As a small child he could hear the Alvin Marching band practicing a few blocks away and would play his make shift instruments along with the sound of the music he could hear in the distance. He started tinkering with the piano as a small boy learning to play by ear, but when given music lessons he did not want to take the time to slow down and learn to play by musical notes. His passion for music eventually lead to guitars, and then he knew he had found his calling. Richard enlisted in the Airforce in 1962 and was honorably discharge in the 1965. After returning to Alvin, he and some friends put together a little band and played all over the Houston area. He moved to Las Vegas for a brief time where he performed at the Taj Mahal and other venues on the Vegas Strip. Furthering his music career, he and the band ventured to Los Angeles and landed a record label with Metromedia. His roots being in Texas he eventually returned home to Alvin where he remained for his lifetime. Richard’s life calmed down, he turned his focus towards God, becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He continued playing and building guitars, tuning and rebuilding pianos—he loved anything that had to do with music. Richard was employed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he retired in 2006. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, working around the house, repairing things.  He became a perfectionist with most anything he did, and he was a great handyman. Above everything in his life he loved God, his family and Richard was the kindest, humblest person his family has ever known. Most recently he spent his days  lovingly caring for his wife who has been sick many years.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Beulah Avitts; and his sister, Louise Clark.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Mary Avitts; his children: Natasha Avitts-Martin and husband Jerry of Douglass, Texas, Grant Taylor and wife Toni of Katy, Texas, Erik Taylor and wife Terrie of Conroe, Texas, Darren Taylor and wife Judy of Hampton, Virginia, Nathan Taylor and wife Maria of Harper, Texas, Benjamin Taylor of Sugarland, Texas, Mary Beth Avitts of Alvin, Texas; twenty-six grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; a sister, Katherine Avitts Gipson; a brother, Thomas Avitts and wife Shirley; and a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends who he treasured and loved dearly.

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