Gilbert Henderson Austell III

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Kim Scites officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Valhalla Funeral Home.

Gilbert was born on March 26, 1949 in Huntsville, Alabama to Gilbert Henderson Austell,II and Oneida McAnally Austell. He was a 1969 graduate of Sparkman High School and an outstanding athlete. He was chosen for All-State Football in 1967-68. Gilbert served as a Madison police officer for several years before going to Engelhard as Chief of Security, where he retired after 29 years of service. He enjoyed gardening and Alabama Football. Gilbert attended Hazel Green United Methodist Church and will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Kathy Whisenant.

Precious memories will continue to be cherished by his wife, Kathy Dickson Austell; sons, Britt Austell and Gilbert H. “Jay” Austell, IV; stepsons, Jay Pledger and Lee Pledger; sisters, Rose Palmer (Jim), Barbara Frankl (George); brothers, Gary Austell (Darlene) and Herbert Austell; grandchildren, Laney McAnally Austell, Arlee Elizabeth Austell, Peyton Albrandt-Austell, Addilyn Brooke Austell and Juniper Leona Pledger.