Sonny Thomas Avanilla

Sonny Thomas Avanilla, 47, of Bastrop, TX, passed away on June 8, 2021 in Austin, TX.

Sonny was born in Hilo, Hawaii to Celestino Avanilla and Darlene Ho’opai on March 28, 1974. After the death of his father he was adopted by Edwin and Marilyn Tolentino.

After Sonny graduated from Hilo High School, he joined the Navy as an Aviation Boatswain mate and served on the USS Nassau stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attained the title of the youngest NIFTY in the United States Navy at the time. He also served as Tractor King on the flight deck during Operation Support Democracy in Haiti.

Sonny loved spending time with his family and was a devoted husband, father, and pawpaw. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and shooting pool in his free time. He had an infectious smile and laugh, and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lisa Avanilla; his children, Hayes (Tiffany) Adair, Haley (Jamal) Gibson, Aubrey (Justin) McManus, and Markus Avanilla; his sister Jeanette (Michael) Thomas and his brothers James Avanilla and Glen Harris; as well as his grandchildren, Ainsley, Asher, Sonny, and Nolan.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Providence Funeral Home, 2079 Hwy 71 E., in Bastrop, TX.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Providence Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop with military honors.