Luther Austin, 93, of Whiteville, passed away Wednesday evening, December 2 at AHC Crestview Senior Care in Brownsville.
He was the retired owner/operator of Austin Construction, retiring in 1992. He was born June 19, 1927 in Alcorn County, Mississippi, son of the late Thomas Ervin Austin and Rose Ella Bostick Austin and lived all of his life in Haywood County near Whiteville. He married Ann Kelley on December 21, 1946 and she preceded him in death on March 6, 2000. He later married Edna Ferguson on January 1, 2002 and she preceded him in death on December 26, 2012. He served in the US Air Force during World War II and was known as an outgoing person who loved to travel and be around his family. His faith was very important to him, reading his Bible all the time and living Jesus through his life. Mr. Austin was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church for around 74 years.
Survivors include a daughter, Pauline Richardson (Gary) of Alamo; three sons, James Austin (Sylvia) of Orange, Texas, Danny Austin (Karen) of Stanton and Jimmy Nails of Bells; two brothers, Vance Austin of Paragould, AR and Mitchell Austin of Michie; two stepsons, Bruce Harber (Kay) of Memphis and Ronnie Harber (Stephanie) of New Orleans, LA; 9 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wives, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Elrod; four brothers, Charlie, Robert, Floyd and Raymond Austin; and two sisters, Pauline Kelley and Mary Fergie. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery 225 Mt. Pleasant Road, Whiteville, TN 38075.
****DUE TO CONCERNS FOR THE VIRUS, THE FAMILY REQUESTS ANYONE ATTENDING THE VISITATION OR SERVICE WEAR A MASK OR FACIAL COVERING****
While visiting or attending services for Mr. Austin, please consider the following guidelines:
* Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person;
* Refrain from hugs and handshakes;
* When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth;
* Wash your hands often;
* Avoid touching your face; and
* Minimize time spent in places where people gather.
Thank you for your consideration.
