Walter Clarence Austin Jr.

Walter Clarence Austin Jr., 94, passed away on September 10, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Walter was born on August 20, 1928 in Andalusia, Alabama to the late Mrs. Willie Mae Southwell Austin and Mr. Walter Clarence Austin.

Walter moved to West Plains, Missouri in the early 1930’s before going back to Andalusia and starting school in 1935. He attended school there until 1944 and then went onto Dasher Bible School near Valdosta, Georgia from 1944 – 1945. He then returned to Andalusia for his Junior and Senior Years of High School and graduated in May of 1947. Walter started college at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in September of 1947. He was enrolled in the NROTC for two years and was able to attend two summer cruises for training. He graduated from Auburn University on June 2, 1951 with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering with honors.

He was hired by Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville Alabama on June 14, 1951. He worked with various Army Missile Systems in the Engineering Management field while employed.

He was also a proud member of the Concord Street Church of Christ since March 1981.

He met the love of his life; Martha Geeter and they were wed on December 30, 1955. They had their first daughter; Alyson Austin Rabren, on February 9, 1958. Their second daughter; Melanie Austin Carr came on May 19, 1960.

In 1981, Walter transferred to Orlando, Florida, as the Chief of Army Missile Command in the Field Office of the Martin Marietta Plant. He retired from Government service in March 1989. He had achieved several outstanding performance duty awards during his long and successful career and with the U.S. Army SAFEGuard System commands.

Walter is survived by his wife, Martha Austin, his children; Alyson Austin Rabren and Melanie Austin Carr. His grandchildren, Megan Rabren Owens, Meredith Rabren, Matthew Rabren, Shannon Carr Cunningham and Daniel Carr.

A public visitation for Walter will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Concord Street Church of Christ, 626 East Concord Street, Orlando, Florida 32803. Following the public visitation will be a funeral service at 7:00 PM at Concord Street Church of Christ, 626 East Concord Street, Orlando, Florida 32803.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to the Mt. Dora Christian Academy.