Bill Austin

Hudson – Billy Gene Austin, age 81, passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021 at his residence. Bill was born in Caldwell County on April 19, 1940 to the late William Jesse Austin and Viola Bentley Austin. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from Lenoir Mirror Company after more than 40 years of service. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Austin; brother, Jimmy “Buck” Austin; sisters, Betty Jo Jones and Faye Brittain. Bill is survived by his sons, William Wesley Austin and wife Carree; Mark Emory Austin and Lori; Eric Gene Austin and wife, April; grandsons, Wesley Adam Austin and Benjamin Japen Austin; brother, Donnie Ray Austin and wife, Janice; sister, Audrey Brittain and husband, Alec; and sister, Barbara Anne Kirby; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. A graveside service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 3:30 PM with Pastor Robert Livingston, Pastor John Riley and Pastor Jim Hamby officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to South Caldwell Christian Ministry, 5 Quarry Road, Granite Falls, NC 28630.