William Douglas (Doug) Austin, 62, passed away Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.
Visitation was last evening at Greenview Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will take place today at 11 a.m. at Woodmont Baptist Church with Jerry Rea and Chad Hess officiating.
Though Doug’s last years included many chemo infusions and radiation treatments, cancer did not define his life. He will no doubt be remembered for his quick-wittedness, positive outlook, and servant’s heart. He attended Woodmont Baptist Church where he was very active, taking part in construction mission projects, helping with the food pantry, and helping care for the grounds of the East Campus among other activities. As a member of Mike Menninger’s Men’s Bible Study Class, he thoroughly enjoyed searching the Scriptures for the correct answer to the “Question of the Week.”
Doug enjoyed fishing, especially with his buddy John Garner (Beaufort, South Carolina). He was an avid vegetable gardener and cook and maintained a collection of favorite recipes. Having a strong work ethic, he was employed by Florence Lumber Company for 32 years. He took pride in the fact that he was practically the last man in America to own a cell phone. Doug cherished family, friends, and neighbors and was humbled by their love and many kindnesses.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Austin, and father-in-law, Stanley Selman.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathy Selman Austin (formerly of Summerville, Georgia); son, Adam Austin (Florence); daughter, Katie Austin (Florence); and his little mini-me, grandson, Eaden Austin (Florence), who was the light of his life. Additional survivors include Doug’s mother, Mary Austin, and sisters, Elaine Austin, Rebecca Watts, and Vickie Green (Tom), all of Florence. His aunt, Nel Loveless, also survives. In addition, Doug loved his brother-in-law (more like a brother), Scott Selman, and wife, Cindy, of Auburn; and sister-in-law, Kristy Cohn, of Nashville; and mother-in-law, Wylene Selman, of Florence. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Doug’s family invites you to rejoice with them that Doug is healed in heaven through his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The family much appreciates the excellent care provided by the doctors and staff of the Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, the Bethesda/Valley Cancer Centers, as well as the ECM Emergency Department and Dr. Ricky Irons in his final hours.
Pallbearers are Charles Risener, Jordan Risener, Randy Menne, and nephews, Nick Watts, Austin Green, and Christopher Selman. Honorary pallbearers are members of Mike Meninger’s/Elmer Motes’ Bible Study Class.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are by Greenview Funeral Home.
