Mr. Austin was born in Washington County, TN to the late George Vestal Austin and Helen Katherine “Shelton” Austin. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Whitnel and the Lenoir Moose Lodge.

Survivors include his wife Nancy Gail “Benge” Austin of the home; two daughters, Heather Alyce Austin and Sarah Leann Austin, also of the home; one sister, Kathleen “Sissy” Meisenheimer and husband Dale, of Greenville, TN; four brothers, Andrew Austin of Florida, Tommy Austin, R.J. Austin, Bobby Austin and Clain Austin, all of Greenville, TN.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Whitnel with Reverend Stuart White officiating. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 20, 2010 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Pat Benge, Anthony Benge, Henry Tester, Thomas Tester, Eugene Keller, and Ronnie Barnes. Honorary pallbearers will be Al Burchal, Tim Angley, and Paul Nelson.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645 or First Baptist Church of Whitnel, 2999, Lenoir, NC 28645.