Austin Leonard Mott, III, age 79, passed away or as he would say "kicked the bucket" on November 27, 2021. He was born on April 10, 1942 in Moravia, NY. His interest in the hospitality industry led him to the University of Denver, where he pursued a concentration in Hotel/Restaurant Administration. Austin graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This was the start of his long and rewarding career.
Austin retired as President and CEO of Visit Florida. During his career he oversaw operations at Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA; Sandestin, Destin, FL; Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa, St. Petersburg, FL; Sea Pines Plantation Co., Hilton Head, SC; Elbow Beach Resort, Bermuda; South Seas Plantation Resort, Captiva Island, FL; and Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico.
He served as President of the Florida Hotel & Motel Association and was awarded the honor of Hotelier of the Year in 1992. Austin was also inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame for his contribution to tourism in the Sunshine State.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Mott; stepmother, Claire Mott; and nephew, Jack Mott.
Austin is survived by his wife, Pebbie Mott; daughters, Coby Eldridge (Robert) and Katie McHugh (Patrick); grandchildren, Coulter Eldridge, Pate Eldridge, Aidan Eldridge, Mackenzie McHugh, Caymen McHugh and Amelia Eldridge; brothers, John Mott (Ellie), Mel Mott (Jeanne) and Roger Mott (Debbie); stepsister, Chris Dees (Bob); stepbrother, Roy Achmoody (Claudia); nieces, Jennifer Mott, Jane Perry, Alex Horton and Nicole Burnim; and several great-nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM followed by committal in Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Mott family.
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