L. "Doug" Douglas Austin

L. Douglas Austin (Doug) passed away at home on January 2, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Doug was born on December 30, 1948 to L. Elward and Dorothy Anderson Austin in Verona, MS. He attended Tupelo High School and was a 1966 graduate. He continued his studies at Mississippi State University (MSU) receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Business. While at MSU he was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity and a Cadet in the Reserve Officer Training Corp.

Following college graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant achieving the grade of Captain before resigning his Commission in 1979. Doug served as a Field Artillery Officer throughout his military career with one 36-month deployment to Hanau, Germany. It was there that he was inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara, a military Honor society for the US Army and Marine Corp. Doug’s last tour of duty assignment in 1979 was Fort Polk, Louisiana. It was there that he met and married Kathy, his wife who was also a Captain in the US Army Nurse Corp. After marrying, they both resigned their Commissions and began their 40 years of marriage. Doug began his 25-year career working for Frito Lay, retiring in 2004.

Doug retired from Frito-Lay from the Orlando Plant in 2004. He soon became interested in golf and volunteer work at PGA’s Tournaments primarily as a Standard Bearer. He enjoyed being part of the excitement of the contestants and with no hesitation would ask for autographs on golf balls or Tournament Hats. Doug and Kathy and son Drew returned to Madison in 2016 to be closer to family and friends. They built their Dream Home on the outskirts of Madison so Doug could do what he did best.... make things grow! One could see him from sun-up to sun-down working on his land and enjoying nature. Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy, two daughters and one son: Allana Austin from Tupelo, Audrey Austin Grogan (Luke) and Drew Austin from Madison. He is also survived by two sisters from Tupelo, Susan Carter (Don) and Emily Walton and nephews Austin Walton (Anna) and Jordan Carter (Katy). He is the proud grandfather of Jacob, Reese and Will Grogan.

Doug’s final resting place will be his favorite get-away in the world, “The River” at Pickwick in Northeastern MS on the Tennessee River. He never tired of exploring the rocky shores, the beaches and water sports on the river. The Cabin, built by his father has seen three generations of the Austin family building strong bonds with one another and sharing the love of family.

Doug will always be remembered for his strong commitment and strength to any challenges that he faced, his honesty, integrity and unconditional love for his family, friends and Country.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be donated to The Central MS Down Syndrome Society at CMDSS.org or mailed to CMDSS P O Box 935, Jackson, MS 39205.