Obituary of David M. Austin

Rev. David Miller Austin, age 81, of Willy Austin Drive, Blowing Rock, passed away Saturday morning, March 2, 2013 at the Watauga Medical Center. Born August 22, 1931 in Watauga County, he was a son of William Walter and Ruth Shores Austin. Rev. Austin\'s call to the ministry led him to pastor many Baptist churches in the area for more than 30 years. They included his home church, Cool Springs Baptist Church, and Bethany, Doe Ridge, Pleasant Grove, Boone Fork, Rich Mountain, Yellow Hill, Mount View, and Bailey\'s Camp Baptist Churches. He also retired from the Town of Boone\'s Water and Sewer Department as superintendent. Rev. Austin is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Jean Ashley Austin; two daughters, Melinda Schultz of Greensboro, and Deborah McNeil and husband, Douglas, of Boone; two sons, Rev. Wesley Austin and wife, Lisa, of Asheville, and Rev. Michael Austin and wife, Lynda, of Sparta; twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Maude Black of Linville. A number of nieces, nephews and special friends also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jared Austin; one brother, Jack Austin; and one sister, Mabel Bowman. Funeral services for Rev. David Miller Austin will be conducted Monday evening, March 4, 2013, at 6 o'clock, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by his sons, Rev. Wesley Austin and Rev. Michael Austin. The family will receive friends Monday from 4:30 until 6 pm, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Jared Austin and Children's Fund, Post Office Box 622, McLeansville, NC 27301. Online condolences may be expressed at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Austin family.