Gerry W. “Doc” Austin, 63, of Burnsville, Mississippi, died Friday, June 7, 2013, at his residence. Mr. Austin was a member of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ where he served as song leader. He was a U. S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and served from April 1969 through March 1980. Mr. Austin was formerly employed at Plumrose in Booneville, and was currently employed at Caterpillar in Corinth. He enjoyed camping, lawn and garden work, and music. He also loved watching his grandsons play sports and perform. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, officiated by Craig Chandler, Mike Edwards, and Rick Fields. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Joe Carmack, Lloyd Burcham, Shannon Seaton, Tommy Bonds, Robert Davis, Ronald Seaton, Waylon Phifer, and Howard South. Honorary Pallbearers include the members of the American Legion Post 15, Iuka, MS. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Austin of Burnsville, MS; two sons, Chris Austin and wife, Sabrina, and Heath Whitaker and wife, Alisha, all of Iuka, MS; one brother, James Rufus Austin and wife, Barbara, of Burnsville, MS; one sister, Peggy Burcham of Burnsville, MS; and five grandchildren, Justin Austin, Tyler Austin, Brandon Austin, Tanner Whitaker, and Brady Whitaker, all of Iuka, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Powell and Ruby Jane Lynch Austin; and a sister, Janice Nell Austin Hardwick. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society by calling 800-ACS-2345; or online at www.cancer.org.
