McMinnville resident Robert J. Averette, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 6, at his home after an extended illness.He was born in Marion, Ala., on April 4, 1939, a son of the late Gertrude Nichols Davis and Tommy Averette. He worked as a pile driver in the construction industry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.He is survived by sisters and brother-in-law Shirley A. and Charles Smith of Destin, Fla, and Ruth Williams of Washington, three brothers and sisters-in-law Curtis and Mary Averette of Big Spring, Texas, Raymond Davis of Selma, Ala., and Howard and Vickie Davis of Selma, and several grandchildren.At Mr. Averette’s request, he is to be cremated and his ashes given to family to be scattered in the ocean.