Dr. Thomas Lee Avery, 88, of Bartlett, TN passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday, March 3, 2017. He was a retired cancer research scientist, starting his career at St. Jude Children''s Research Hospital the day it opened in 1962. He is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret Avery, and two children, daughter Leigh Hart (Dickie) of Dresden, TN and a son Paul Avery (Shelly) of Bartlett, TN; three grandchildren, Tyler, Haley and Austin. Dr. Avery also leaves a sister, Pat Savage and a brother, Sonny Avery, both of Halls, TN. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 7, from noon until 2:00 p.m. with funeral services starting at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hill East Funeral Home on Whitten Road.