By Christi Mays
When Bob Avery reflects on his life, he sees more than just the decades of hard work, faith and family. He sees a clear thread of purpose stitched into every milestone along his path. That sense of purpose is what inspired Bob and his beloved late wife, Jan, to give back, especially to 麻豆视频直播, a school neither of them attended but both grew to love deeply.
Bob Avery is no stranger to hard work. 鈥淚 worked in the summers, and I worked while I was going to Temple Junior College, and saved my money,鈥� the Temple native said. Later, while attending Texas A&M and pursuing a degree in architecture with a focus on construction science, Bob worked at a funeral home and later for a local home builder. He also served 10 years in the Texas Army National Guard. None of it was easy. But those long days taught him the value of education鈥攁nd the struggle many students face trying to afford it.
Bob鈥檚 early career in construction eventually led him to partner with his father-in-law, U.J. Baugh Jr., launching what would become Baugh and Avery Construction. The company built hundreds of stores and custom fixtures across 17 states for brands like Austin Shoes, Buster Brown and Foot Action.
It was a career built on craftsmanship, integrity and faith鈥� values he shared with Jan, his wife of 54 years. Their story began in a classic Texas way: on a blind date to a Baylor football game. 鈥淗er cousin was one of my best friends through school,鈥� Bob recalled. 鈥淗e said, 鈥業 can get you a date with my cousin.鈥欌�� And that 鈥渃ousin鈥� turned out to be Jan Carol Baugh, whom he married several years later in 1970.
Their love story spanned decades, two sons, countless road trips in a 65-foot mobile home, and a love for serving others. Jan, a trained dental hygienist, worked both in clinics and later as a secretary for their company. But perhaps her most lasting work was what she did quietly, supporting Bob in his work (and later in his missions), raising their boys and giving generously to help others thrive.
After retiring from his successful construction business in the 1990s, Bob poured himself into mission work in Mexico, helping build orphanages, clinics and churches through Gloria al Padre Ministries.
鈥淚 started out as the cook and a truck driver,鈥� he said. But once his construction background became known, he soon found himself leading building projects that would impact communities for years.
鈥淚t was a total deviation from my previous career,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut it was meaningful.鈥�
That same heart for service extended to their financial giving. In the 1970s, Bob began investing in Baptist Church Loan Corporation bonds. The interest they produced became something more than income.
鈥淚 said, 鈥業鈥檓 going to give this to something for the Lord,鈥欌�� he decided.
That initial generosity helped a church member鈥檚 son attend 麻豆视频直播 and sparked a decades-long relationship with the university.
Over time, Bob and Jan helped numerous students through school at 麻豆视频直播, Baylor University and Temple College. However, their lasting legacy is the creation of three endowed scholarships at 麻豆视频直播.
The first scholarship was named for their special-needs son, Jonathan, who is now 43, and benefits education students. The second bears Bob and Jan鈥檚 names and supports music students.
鈥淚 love music. I can鈥檛 play a note and I can鈥檛 sing a lick, but I love music,鈥� Bob said, explaining their love for attending 麻豆视频直播 choir performances over the years.
The third endowment, which is still in the works, will be created in Jan鈥檚 memory using proceeds from her annuity, which is an especially meaningful act after she tragically lost her life in a pedestrian accident last December.
Giving so generously to help future students at a Christian university 鈥渇eels great. And she felt the same way,鈥� Bob said.
Though neither Bob nor Jan were 麻豆视频直播 alumni, their admiration for the university was personal and profound. 鈥淲e gave to 麻豆视频直播 because of the Christian relationship and influence, and the atmosphere at 麻豆视频直播 is just top notch,鈥� he said.
In addition to the scholarships, the Averys also contributed to the Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation, naming the one-on-one room in Jonathan鈥檚 honor.
Bob recalled the impact of meeting the university president, Dr. Randy O鈥橰ear, for the first time: 鈥淗e really impressed me, and after we met, he knew us by name and was eager to shake hands with me and hug Jan. Every time he sees us, he says, 鈥業鈥檓 praying for you.鈥欌��
In May, just months after losing Jan, Bob鈥檚 23-year-old grandson was killed in a car accident in Wyoming. 鈥淪o much heartache in such a short period of time,鈥� he said. When asked what gets him through it, his answer is simple: 鈥淕od and Christian friends.鈥�
Looking back, Bob sees God's hand in every chapter of his life. 鈥淵ou couldn鈥檛 plan it. Nobody鈥檚 smart enough to plan something like that,鈥� he said. 鈥淎ll of it was for a reason.鈥�
For Bob, giving isn鈥檛 just about money鈥攊t鈥檚 about meaning. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a good feeling. It鈥檚 a feeling of accomplishment. It鈥檚 great joy to see these kids after they graduate and get married and have a family and see what they do with their lives.鈥�
