Joe Billy Austin

Ninety- five years later on February 27, 2023 his Heavenly Father called him home and welcomed him into eternity.

Soon after his first date with Mildred McCommon, he began to pray that the Lord would bless their courtship and lead them into marriage. God answered his prayer and Joe Billy and Mildred were married at Madison Baptist Church on November 9, 1947. Having enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946, they married as he was completing his first assignment in Maui, Hawaii. They moved to Green Cove Springs, Florida to fulfill his time of enlistment.

Following his honorable discharge, Joe Billy and Mildred returned to Madison County to establish their home and begin their family at 457 Boone Lane. This became their forever home. Born and raised in this home were Joseph William Austin, Jr. (Joe), Joan Louise Austin, and James Frederick Austin (Freddie).

After his Navy enlistment was completed he was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad for eight years, the Bemis Company, Inc. for twenty-eight years, and Tennessee Textiles, Inc. for four years until his retirement in 1984.

Joe Billy was raised in the Bemis Pentecostal Church where he received Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 14. In later years he and his family faithfully attended Madison Baptist Church and supported the ministries of their church tirelessly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than seventy-four years, Mildred, his son, Freddie, and brothers Raymond Earl and Tony.

He leaves behind many treasured memories in the hearts of his children, Dr. Joe (Kathy) Austin of Greeneville, Tennessee and Joan (Bobby) Allen of Jackson, Tennessee; his grandchildren Andrea (Lee) Winchester, Bethany (Barry) Cooper, Josh (Abbie) Allen, Rachel (Philip) Humphreys, and Aaron (Michelle) Austin; and his nine great- grandchildren Anna Claire (Devin) McKnight, Carson Winchester, Reed Cooper, Edie Allen, William Allen, Garland Allen, Addie Humphreys, Waylon Austin, and Rhett Austin.

The family is especially grateful to Candis Cross and Dianne Stewart for the care and compassion shown to Joe Billy and to them.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are nephews, Tony Austin, Blake Butler, Jeff Butler, Johnnie Butler, Bubba McCommon, Will Warren, and Aaron Warren. Also serving are friends and neighbors, Jewel Carden, Rick and Linda Collins, James Johnson, Jay Smith, Harold and Wanda Vann, Kessy Vann, Thomas McKinney, Clara Lynn Williams, and Carolyn and Leroy Johnson.

Visitation will take place Saturday, March 4 beginning at 10:00 at Madison Baptist Church, 930 Steam Mill Ferry Road. A memorial service will be held following visitation at 12:00.

Those who wish to honor his memory are requested to direct their memorial to Madison Baptist Church, the Bemis Historical Society, or the charity of their choice.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GASmithandSonsFuneralHome.com for the Austin family.