Richard Kibbe Austin (Dick), passed away on September 1st, 2023. Born July 8, 1933, in Boston Massachusetts, the only child of Carroll and Florence (English) Austin. A high school star athlete at Medford High, he was recruited by Georgia Tech on a football scholarship and had the honor to play under Coach Bobby Dodd. Dick began a career in the US Army starting at Fort Benning Georgia, now Fort Moore, and served his country in Korea, France (SHAPE headquarters), Vietnam, and Germany, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Gordon Georgia. Among his many Army awards and citations were the Bronze Star Medal for Vietnam, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal Expert Rifle, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal. He received a BA degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree from Central Michigan, as well as graduate studies at the University of Georgia. After retirement Dick served as a consultant and trainer for security companies, Assistant Director of Lenbrook continuing care community, and a Mediator at the Justice Center of Atlanta.
An avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing trips with his sons to Alaska, the Florida Keys, Canada, and Maine. He enjoyed family and holiday celebrations, reading three daily newspapers, and listening to music.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou Austin, his sons of which he was so proud, Rich Austin (Connie) of Roswell, GA, and Erick Rick Austin (Heidi) of Columbia, SC, and Pops 5 grandchildren, Tyler, Ben, Ansley, Georgia, and Joanna Austin. A 30-year member of Rotary Club both at Buckhead and in Roswell, the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, and the Korean War Veterans. He was a USO volunteer, and a volunteer of Employee Support the Guard Reserve. Dick was an “Officer and a Gentleman,” we will miss his love and care and his “Popism’s.” May He Rest In Eternal Peace.
The family will receive visitors on September 9th from 4-6pm at H.M. Patterson funeral home in Sandy Springs, 173 Allen Road NE, 30328. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC with full military honors, date to be determined. Donations may be made in his honor to USO or to the charity of your choice.
