They say that music can be the sound track of your life. Well, my brother Joe was the sound track of our lives. My brothers and I were raised by my mother. She taught us to be independent and to never judge others because we knew first hand that you never know what they were going through. But, push comes to shove we would fight for each other because many times we felt that was all we had was each other. There were times we would throw caution to the wind, but we always came together to support each other when and where ever needed.
My brother, Joe, always told us not to worry he’d be fine and we so much wanted to believe this. Unfortunately, we knew first hand that cancer can take a loved one away even when we prayed and prayed for this not to happen.
My mother has one daughter and three sons. Now, we have to learn to live without Joe.
The music died on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 7:46 A.M. Until we meet again. Love Always, mom, sister, and little brothers!

Wow, I met Joe thru Maria almost 35 years ago. He was always very kind to me. Honestly, I think he thought I was a bit crazy and wondered how I was raising my family alone, but he allowed me to be a part of this family and be Maria’s BFF. 
I will miss his always smiling face and his too cool sunglasses. Once I told him the sun wasn’t shining inside (because he had his sunglasses on) and he said “the sun always shines on me”. Yea, Joe, it did! You will be greatly missed by us all. 

 Joe had a heart the size of the Astrodome!! He may not have said it but his actions speak louder than words!! Him and Bell opened up their home one summer so I could get away from Austin to clear my thoughts. I didn’t have a job or any income but that didn’t matter, they said cmon!! While there Joe got me a job with him at Henna Chevrolet, there I worked with him for a couple of years. We had some good times plus some great lunches!!! We also took some Family trips together; drove to Galveston in his El Camino, took a tour at Counts Customs in Las Vegas, and took turns driving a boat in the sea off the Florida coast!! Cool times!!  Joe is the most kind hearted man I will ever meet, I looked up to him for all he did in his life, taking my Gma Vela over for the weekends shopping, garage sales, and going to the movies. Being friends with Earl Campbell is the coolest, having all that memorabilia is a plus to that! Joe accomplished a lot, I could only dream of doing that much in my life, but I believe his biggest treasure was his Beautiful, Blessed Family!! That is what means most to a person! I am going to truly miss you and I will cherish n pass down the memories to our next generation!! Love you always n forever Uncle Joe!! aka Joe Cool ✝️🙏🏽🙌🏾📿⚾️🧡🤍

I met Joe the day I met John, he went everywhere we went like camping an liked to hang out with us. He loved cars so John gave him the 55... He learn how to work on cars as John show him how to do the job, he then started a job at a dealer shop. RIP..💕💔

I remember being a kid and wanting to go to Galveston and there was no room. I rode in the spare tire are all the way there in the el camino. Joe also had a Doberman pincher named  

My memory of Joe was comical and serious. You know Joe was never an athlete and he would be the last one to be chosen, lol. I remember the stories Bel shared about Joe's fishing trips at the coast. Too funny!!! But a man in not measured by his athleticism but his values as a father. Joe was a great provider for his family and his love for everyone else was unmeasurable. Joe was always there when he could help, he would. God gave Joe a chance to accept Jesus into his heart, and all his son's were washed away. He is now celebrating his life in heaven, waiting for his love ones. Remember that Jesus is the way the truth and the light and no one goes to the father except through him. This is no a goodbye bye a C U Later.
Love the Vela family

I remember being a kid and wanting to go to Galveston and there was no room. I rode in the spare tire area all the way there in the el camino. Joe also had a Doberman pincher named  doobie. Gone but never forgotten. 

Almost 40 years together… and the plan was together forever. We shared a life time. I was only 16 when we met. I spent more of my lifetime with you than without you. We grew up together. My heart was split in two that moment you left me; one side of me is filled with memories but a part of me feels like it also died with you. I am forever thankful to God for blessing us with you in our lives, and for giving us some closure those last days. We came "together in love" with God. We prayed, we forgave, and we cried. Those little moments with you I will hold onto tightly forever. Until I see you again... thank you babe, for loving me.

My memories of Uncle Joe....
Where to start,  Joe was a father figure to me, as I was growing up.  Joe, helped to raise me throughout my childhood and teenage years.  I can remember being in his El Camino, sitting in the back of the drivers seat, as a small child (Amanda & I) being driven around town.  I have memories of the little white car we used to go in, while vacationing and he his racoon tail on the antenna; I also remember the racoon hat he use to wear.  I will never forget the year, we were headed to the beach and the racoon tail flying off the antenna.  We pulled over cause he was distraught his racoon tail was gone.  I gave Joe the name, Joe Buttafuoco and can remember us laughing about the name every time I called him that.  As his children mentioned, his love for movies, classic rock music, coke products, antiques, cars/Chevy trucks, Jordan shoes, Houston sports memorabilia, were also things that will always remind me of my Uncle Joe.  So, so many stories/memories to share, just because my Uncle Joe was that loving, caring person, that loved to be around family.  

So, Uncle Joe, this is not a 'Goodbye," but a "Check ya later!"  You'll keep, "Livin' man, L-I-V-I-N," in my heart, always!  Until we meet again, we'll be "Alright!, Alright!, Alright!, cause as you would say, "It'll be a lot cooler, if you did!!! (In Matthew McConaughey's voice)
Fly high now, Joe Angel!!  You were a true blessing my life and will be missed!

Love always,
Monica Verastegui-Vallejo

Maria, 
We send you and your family so much love and healing prayers. May Jesus give you all comfort during this time of grief. We love you.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We pray for peace and comfort for you and your loved ones at this difficult time. His gentle soul will always be in our hearts.

Much love,
Kimberly and Greg

Maria, 
I love you so much & I’m so sorry for your lost. My prayer for you & your family is that God’s strength will be made perfect during this time. 

This moment is bittersweet, but there is much rejoicing and dancing in heaven because you are home. Thank you Jesus that we do not mourn the way the world does because we know we will see you again. May your hearts  be filled to the overflow with the memories and the joy you all shared  together. God bless you

Maria,

Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  May the Lord heal your hearts.  I love you.

Araceli Mena

MariaMaria!
I’m so sorry.  I’m praying for you and your beautiful family.  May Gods peace comfort you all through this. 
And always remember Joe loved you, the kids and grands so so much! 

Our love and condolences to the Avila family. Quiet and kind, Joe senior always made everyone smile and his family always knew how much he loved them. He is loved warmly and walking closely, pain free with his Heavenly Father. ❤️ Love and prayers to the entire family.

Natalie, Elias, Jose and Mina

May God  be with you and your family  in this time of sorrow.  May He fill your hearts with His presence so you will never feel alone.  

Even in a time as such, we still Honor and give You Praise. You are God and God alone. 

Give the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Psalms 23

I noticed today that your middle name is Angel. The name fits you. May you always watch over this family. My favorite memory is that you always welcomed prayer. Your heart was full of faith and love for Jesus Christ.  May you dance  and sing in the heavenly places as you watch over your family. 

OBITUARY

Joe Angel Avila Jr.

May 4, 1960 – July 6, 2021

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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