Linda Gail Austin, 74, of Florence, Alabama, passed away at home on October 25, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at Greenview Memorial Chapel November 10, 2024. Visitation will begin at 1:00 with the service at 2:00. Burial will follow in the adjacent memorial gardens. Lance Smith, Tim Wooten and Fred Austin will officiate the service.
Linda was born in Florence, Alabama to Robert A. Austin and Bernese Lindsey Austin. She graduated from Coffee High School in 1967 and later graduated from the University of North Alabama. Linda began her working career as a telephone operator for South Central Bell. In 1978 Linda joined the Florence Police Department as a dispatcher working her way to becoming the supervisor of the communications division until her retirement in 2006. Linda especially loved the swift pace and multitasking required of this job. She was a meticulous notetaker by nature making her a very valuable asset to the entire force. She took care of her coworkers and took pride in what she did. She made a difference. Sometimes she was referred to as the “feisty redhead in dispatch”!
More than once, she was mistaken for Reba McIntyre when she would go to Nashville for job training. She got a kick out of that. Linda loved makeup, pretty clothes and jewelry. She always looked fabulous. To those who knew her she was every bit as beautiful as any movie star. As a teenager she was a Miss Teenage America Semi-Finalist. She was an elegant lady.
In her free time Linda enjoyed researching both local and world history, genealogy, and traveling. Her most memorable trips were to Italy and Russia. She loved to visit museums, art galleries and historical places. Llnda loved animals and rescued several cats, Yum Yum, Sir William, and Mae Leing.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Robert Kevin Austin. She is survived by many friends and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter or your favorite charity in her name.
