Jose G. "Joe" Avila Jr. 73, died on July 26, 2018 at Seaside Rehab and Health Care in Portland, ME. after a long illness and while in Hospice Care.   He was born in McAllen, TX, son of Josefina Gonzalez and Jose G. Avila. He grew up in Defiance OH where he co-captained the DHS Bulldog football team which won the state championship in 1962 and named to the All-Ohio Second Team. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and president of the 1963 senior class. Recently he was honored as "Outstanding Defensive Player" in the DHS Hall of Fame. . He attended University of Toledo on a full athletic scholarship and was active in the ROTC program, graduating in 1967 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. Upon graduation he joined the US Air Force and was based in Panama City, FL and had the rank of staff sergeant upon discharge.   He was employed by Libby Owens in Perrysburg OH and later moved to McLouth Steel working first in Monroe, MI and later transferred to Ironton OH. In his later years he lived in McAllen TX, where he developed and taught a unique system of learning ESL for adult learners. In McAllen TX he worked with the local schools, organizing events to encourage student and family participation. San Antonio was home until he moved to Maine in 2013 as his health declined.   HIs passions included fishing, playing golf and creating both vegetable and flower gardens. He was constantly involved in home improvement projects, an avid reader and wonderful story teller, above all he was an excellent dancer. Joe valued family life and was at his best cooking at all family celebrations. He excelled in technical writing and wrote poetry for friends and family.   He was predeceased by his mother, Josefina G Hernandez, step-father, Jose Angel Hernandez and father Jose G Avila. He is survived by his son, Jose G. Avila III and his wife Tina and his grandson, Kane Avila of Malabar FL., his siblings, Maria Oralia Ruiz of Findlay OH, Imelda Schaefer of Portland ME, Hilda Hernandez of Portland ME Homero Hernandez of Las Vegas NV and Linda Donahue of Windham ME.   The family extends their deep appreciation to the VA Maine Health Care system and staff as well as to the Beacon Hospice team for their help in his care.   A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by A.T.Hutchins Funeral Home.