John W. Austin of Oxford passed peacefully on December 31, 2024, surrounded by his family at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. John, age 96, was born in White Plains, Alabama on June 13, 1928. He was a decorated soldier, rising to the rank of First Sergeant in the United States Army. He was a Korean War veteran and later served in Germany as a member of the Army Corp of Engineers. In 1967, he retired from the military after 21 years of service to be closer to family. As a specialist in heating and air conditioning, he worked his way up the ranks of Wittichen Supply Company, eventually serving as the general manager of the Anniston branch. After retirement, he was hired by his church, First Baptist of Oxford, to handle the church’s maintenance needs and was instrumental in the design and building oversight of the church’s main sanctuary. He was a member of the church for over 30 years.
He is remembered for his untiring generosity and kindness to others and his love and support for his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys White Austin, his second wife, Margie Williams Austin, his son, Buddy Austin, and his granddaughter, DeeAnna Williams. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Sandi Austin, his stepson Freddy Williams (Rachel), his grandchildren James Leonard Austin (Sheila), Jennifer Austin, Lori Holland (Lamar), and Freddy Williams, Jr. (Justine), his great-grandchildren Crystal Ralston Benton, Mandi Austin, Lyndon Holland, Lauren Holland, Tyler Peck, Kristen Peck, Logan Williams, Adelyn Williams, and three great-great grandchildren. He was also dearly loved by his friend and companion Carol Walden and her family.
John’s funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday January 8, 2025 at Gray-Brown Funeral Home in Anniston with Dr. Stan Albright officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. He will be buried at Forest Lawn Gardens in Anniston immediately after the service. Friends and family are invited to gather at Hubbard’s Off Main after the funeral. Immediate family will join after the burial.
