Nick R. Avila Jr. Obituary (1964 - 2021)

Fighting his biggest battle to date, Nick "Randy" Avila, texted one of his favorite biblical verses to his family from his hospital bed - 2 Chronicles 20:15. "This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's." When they received the text, his family never imagined that in less than two weeks their beloved husband, father, brother and son, would be home in the arms of Jesus. Randy died on January 26, 2021. Randy was born in Porterville on October 7, 1964 to Rose (Martinez Castillo) and Nick Avila. He was an avid baseball player involved in city and youth-league baseball and spent many of his younger years in the mountains, hunting, fishing and horse- back riding with his uncle Joe Baeza. A 1983 graduate of Monache High School, Randy was active in several clubs including the Mexican American Club and the Amigos Low Rider Bike Club. Randy started working at Lalanne's Glass, learning the trade of auto glass while in high school. After graduation, he started working full time, mastering in old car model installations. During his 40-plus years in the trade, more recently at Auto Glass Central, Randy took a lot of pride in his work, teaching the art to his own sons, Nick and Alex, as well as training many others - several of which went on to open their own businesses. Randy always made his family (wife Stacey of 19 years, daughters Elizabeth, Vanessa, and Alesa, and sons Nick and Alex) a priority. He would take them to Murry Park to feed the ducks when they were young, made it to every one of his five children's youth and school sports games, taught his sons to hunt and fish, and made it to every church service and related events, where he was always the first one there and the last one to leave. In addition, Randy was always teaching his children about God, sharing devotional and inspirational youtube preaching videos, and installing great work ethics. Randy has attended Landmark Christian Center since 2007, where he served as head usher for the past five years. He considered it a great honor, and took pride in guarding the doors, building and parking lot, and had a "safety first" motto. In June of 2020, Randy and Stacey spent three weeks, including Father's Day and the Fourth of July, with all five of their children in Virginia. The family visited local attractions, historical places and went hiking. Since his death, the family has heard from friends and strangers on how Randy touched many individuals all over the United States, talking to them about God and bringing them to Jesus. Everyone who met and knew Randy remember his sense of humor, jokes and pranks, as well as his love for God. He greeted everyone with a smile and made friends everywhere he went. His family say they remember numerous phone calls from friends and others calling for advice or asking for prayer. He would talk on the phone for hours - mentoring individuals and reading scripture. Randy loved Jesus and was a faithful servant. Randy is survived by his wife and 5 children as well as his mother Rose (Miguel) Castillo, sisters Sylvia (Tony) Campos and Frances Castillo, brothers Johnny (Sonia) Avila and Miguel Castillo, his grandmother, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Nick Avila, baby brother Avila, grandparents Jose and Pilar Avila, and grandfather Juan Martinez. A private family viewing is scheduled for 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. pub- lic viewing and 11 a.m. service on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Porterville Funeral and Cremation Center, 765 W. Henderson Avenue, Porterville. A 1 p.m. graveside service at Woodville Public Cemetery, 172 Avenue 168 in Woodville will follow. The services will also be livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.avila84 Masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed.