To  Sheila, I'm so sorry you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Its been so long since i had seen either of you, But Joe was my employer for a long time. And to learn of this tragedy my heart sank. But you know what, after shedding a few tears, i could see him in my mind and when he would walk  into the office with his legendary smile i could almost hear his voice followed by a chuckle. My tears stopped and i felt a smile forming. I believe thats how he would want to be remembered. No matter if we had a good or not so good day, he always had a smile for us. A quick memory i liked when we would take a small break and share  jokes and or funny stories. With both of us being competitive, we were always looking to top each other's  story and get a better laugh. Good bye my friend, love, Mary Martinez

To the family of Joe Avila:

I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Joe.
He and I started at Laton High School about the same time.  He as  a student; I as a teacher.  The year was 1957.  He was a hard worker on the dairy and excelled in school and sports.  We taught together at the high school a few years before he moved on.  While there, I remember him, playing his guitar and singing for a fund-raiser Hootenanny.... always fun-loving.
Condolences to all.
Blessed be his memory.

I played football and baseball with Joe at Reedley College, he was a real competitor, he was a defensive back and wide receiver, l believe he still holds several records for interceptions and most catches in a game.  He told me once originally he wanted to go Coalinga College but the Coalinga coach told him he was too little to play college ball so Joe ended up at Reedley.  After we beat Coalinga about 28-6,  Joe had intercepted several passes and scored a few touchdowns, after the game I saw Joe over at the Coalinga side, he was asking the Coalinga coach if he thought he still was too small.  Over the years I kept up with Joe’s softball career, he was an amazing athlete.  I was really shocked to hear of the accident, my condolences to Joe’s family and friends for this terrible loss.  Joe was a great guy and a fun to be with, definitely one of a kind.  

Joe & I were teammates  for many years playing softball.  He was a terrific softball hitter and could hit any pitcher.  He was a fierce competitor and had fun playing the sport.  He was one of the best softball players I've ever seen.  He had the  gift of gab and always a smile, but especially he was one of God's best human beings.  Will miss seeing him at Walmart selling insurance or running into him at various places.   I will  miss Joe!   I regret I will be unable to attend his memorial service due to a family funeral service in San Dimas, CA on Aug. 6th..   My sympathy and condolence.      God bless your all, Kenny Tokunaga

My condolences to Sheilah and Joe's entire families. Joe was like having a guarantee, a guarantee to laugh, sing, dance, have a talk, cheer for the home team, play a few hands of cards, or tee off.  Joe was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and friend.  I put him in a class with the likes of Farley Bettencourt, Tommy Trader and Gary Ryan... Salesmen who mastered the gift of gab and leave an impression where ever they go. I will miss you Joe, until we dance again.

Love, Blancheee




In 1967, while on the same softball team, Dinuba Condors, we beat the previous year's world champions, Gardena Merchants 2 out of 3 games at a Prescott,  Arizona tournament. In the first game Joe hit a home run and knocked me as we won 2 to 0.  For the past 50 years Joe and I frequently talked about that game.  About a week before his passing I told Joe that somehow the newspaper article about that game always seems to show up around my house.  Joe got  a big kick about that as we reminisced unknowingly for the last time.

I will miss reminiscing with Joe. May he rest in peace. I extend my condolences to all of Joe's family.

Daniel Ramirez

OBITUARY

Joe Frank Avila Jr.

October 11, 1942 – July 28, 2018

People’s Funeral Chapel

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