Bobby Lee Austin

On the night of Sunday, November 18, 2018, while surrounded by his loved ones, Bobby Lee Austin, age 81, passed away at his home in Marion.  A native of Yancey County, North Carolina, born February 6, 1937, he was the son of the late Pauline Blankenship Austin.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Thomas Brewer and Gray Brewer. 

Bobby was co-owner of Rice & White Furniture Company/Austin Furniture in Marion where he enjoyed making friends.  A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Bobby was also a member of Mystic Tie Lodge #237 A.F. & A.M. in Marion.  In his spare time, he enjoyed working in the yard, going to church and spending quality time with his family and friends. 

He is survived by his high school sweet heart and loving wife of 61 years, Bea Brewer Austin; two sons, Tony Austin (Kimberly) and Tyler, and Joel Austin (Kim); one grandson, Ajay; two brothers, Burl Austin (Cathy) and Stokes Austin (Polly).  Bobby is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ann Brewer and Joyce Brewer; brothers-in-law, Sam Brewer (Jerrie), Jim Brewer (Barbara) and Johnny Brewer (Cathy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 23, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Glenwood Baptist Church.  A praise service to the Lord Jesus Christ for the life of Bobby Austin will follow at 5:00 p.m. at the church. 

A private interment will be held at Glenwood Cemetery. Masonic rites will be provided by Mystic Tie Lodge #237 A.F. & A.M. followed by military rites provided by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Austin’s memory are asked to consider, The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 1166, Marion, North Carolina 28752, Care Partners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, North Carolina 28813 (www.carepartnersfoundation.org) and/or Glenwood Baptist Church, P.O. Box 218, Glenwood, North Carolina 28737.

Mr. Austin, along with his family, wish to thank all their customers that supported them throughout the years.  The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Care Partners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell, Charles George VA Medical Center and their Community Living Center for the extraordinary care that they provided for Bobby and his family during his time of illness.