Our Staff

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.

Carolyn G. Austin

President, a native of Watauga County, Carolyn has been an active part of our funeral service since 1975, when she and her husband Johnnie purchased what was then Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Directors. Carolyn retired after a number of years as school secretary and bookkeeper from Hardin Park School. Carolyn continues to take an energetic part in the day to day operations of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory.

Michael J. Austin

A native of Watauga County, Mike returned to Boone in May of 1999 to continue his career in funeral service. Mike holds an Associates Degree in Funeral Service, and is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and a pre-need specialist. Mike is a member of First Presbyterian Church #363 AF & AM. Mike lives in Boone with his wife Kristal.

Robert W. Barnes

A native of Watauga County, Bob has been in funeral service since 1968. A graduate of Cincinnati College of Embalming, Bob also holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Caldwell Community College. He is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, pre-need specialist, and a notary public. Bob lives in Boone with his wife Vivian. Bob is a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.

Deborah H. Miller

A native of Watauga County, Deborah serves as our administrative assistant and lives in Todd with husband Joseph.

Hubert Townsend

A native of Watauga County, Hubert is a retired deputy sheriff. Hubert is a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church, and is married to the former Frankie McGuire. Hubert assists with setting tents and outside maintenance.

Homer Townsend

A native of Watauga County, Homer is retired from Watauga Building Supply. Homer is a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. Homer assists with setting tents and outside maintenance.

Richard Jerkins

Graduated Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, Houston Texas. Richard has been in funeral service since 1996 and is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and pre-need specialist. A native of Wharton Texas and an ordained Christian minister since 2016; he resides in Ashe County (12+ years) with his wife Shannon, their four sons, Zeke, Liam, Zane, Sean and their daughter, Abigail.

Richard Hudson

A native of Burke County, Richard has been a funeral assistant since 1997. Richard is retired from Appalachian State University, attends First Baptist Church and lives in Boone with wife Lynn.

Bruce Shomaker

A native of Banner Elk (Avery County) Bruce originally served his funeral apprenticeship (1986) with and returned to Austin & Barnes in 2014. Prior to his return, he served (more than 25 years for) the funeral industry in Virginia. Bruce is a 1988 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and holds an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science, is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and pre-need specialist. He is a member of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church and resides in Banner Elk with his wife Kelley. Together, they have three daughters, and four grandsons and two granddaughters.

Michael Townsend

An active Minister guiding Meat Camp Baptist Church, Mike assists us with various aspects of funeral service.

Merle Todd

After many successful and active years as an educator and principal in public schools, Merle helps us with funeral services

Harold Bennett

A retired pastor (Appalachian State University and Southeastern Seminary) with over 50 years of service to various North Carolina churches (interim and full-time), an avid gardener and talented woodworker. Married to Gail Bennett and they have two children and eight grandchildren. Harold helps us with funeral services.