Burl Miller Austin was born July 2, 1939 to Pauline Ledford Austin and Roy Austin. He passed on to his Heavenly home Saturday morning April 17, 2021. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, whom he married December 25, 1958, Cathy Blankenship Austin; brother, Bobby (Bea) Austin who passed away in 2018. Burl was a dedicated and obedient servant to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was faithful and obedient to Him for 67 years. He served as a Deacon of Prices Creek Union Baptist Church for over 52 years as well as Sunday School Superintendant and teacher. He was a member of Gideons International and spoke often in area churches on their behalf in an effort to raise money for Bibles to spread God’s word.
Burl actively served the community on various boards such as the Farm Bureau Service Agency and NC Farm Bureau. He was a dairy farmer for over 50 years and enjoyed resting on his front porch and spending time with his family. If you knew him you loved him. He will be missed by all.
Left to cherish his memories is his daughter, Debbie Austin; son, John Austin and wife, Tammy; brother, Stokes Austin and wife, Polly; sister-in-law, Ruthie Beaver; brother-in-law, Ray Higgins; five grandchildren: John Andrew Austin (Cherith), Matthew Tyler Burl Austin (Sydney Turner), Mason Burl Austin (Hope Cody), Trent Hensley(Kristen Ballard) and Katie Austin Robinson (Dathan); two great-grandchildren: Emma Grace and Jackson Burl Austin and special friend, whom he loved like a brother, Gene Ledford (Brenda).
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Rick Bennett and Brother Trent Hensley will officiate. Burial will follow in the Blankenship – Arrowood Cemetery. The family will receive friends 12 until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International at PO Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Compassionate Care WNC at 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
