Garry Norman Austin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Garry Norman Austin of Gardendale, Alabama. Garry was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, who left us peacefully on June 4, 2025 at the age of 71. Garry was born on February 18, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama to Nellie and John Austin. Garry grew up in the Inglenook community and attended Tarrant High School. Garry was a kind and thoughtful soul, whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of everyone he met. Garry was devoted to his family and friends and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He looked forward to family gatherings, celebrating holidays and birthdays with joy and enthusiasm. One of his favorite traditions was spending weeks at a time with his beloved sister, Carolyn, where they created countless cherished memories together.

Garry possessed an incredible gift for recalling historical events, a talent that often left his family in awe. He was affectionately dubbed the “phone a friend guy” for any trivia game, especially during family gatherings where his knowledge would shine. His passion for learning extended beyond history; he was an avid collector of coins and had a keen interest in the latest commemorative stamps. One of the many things we will miss about Garry is his beautiful block print, which he lovingly used to create cards for every occasion. Whether it was Christmas, birthdays, Easter, or even Valentine’s Day, his thoughtful gestures brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.

Garry had a special fondness for palms, nurturing rootings from the prized palms in his yard, a testament to his nurturing spirit. He found joy in reading and staying informed about the world around him, but when the news became overwhelming, he would turn to his favorite game show, Jeopardy, for a dose of fun and trivia. A true conversationalist, Garry never met a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to connect with anyone he encountered, whether it was in the aisles at the grocery store, at the bank, or during his visits to church with his sister. His friendly demeanor and genuine interest in others made him a beloved figure in his community. Garry’s legacy of kindness, thoughtfulness, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves behind a family that adored him and friends who will miss his engaging conversations and warm spirit.

Garry was proceeded in death by his parents, John Brock Austin and Nellie Clardy Austin. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Austin Franklin, nieces Marissa Sledge and Jessie Engle, and nephew Alan Gillespie, great niece Christy Sledge and great nephew Cody Sledge and numerous great-great nieces and nephews. In honor of Garry’s life, we invite all who knew him to celebrate his memory by sharing stories and laughter, just as he would have wanted.

A family visitation will be held on June 9, 2025 at 11 am – 12 noon at Rideout’s Gardendale Chapel followed by a graveside service on June 9, 2025 at 2:30 pm at Caddo Cemetery near Trinity, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Caddo Cemetery Fund.