Austin Whetsell

Austin Pierce Whetsell, born April 1, 1992, died while on a missions trip with his church in Zihuatanejo, Mexico on Sunday, July 1, 2007.

Austin was the beloved son of Walter G., Jr., and Kimberly Taylor Whetsell, and the devoted elder brother of Taylor, Trace and Emma Whetsell of Lexington. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Austin was an alumnus of Heritage Christian Academy and just finished his first year of home school. He was a diligent student who consistently made straight A's and had recently won second place for biology in the Midlands Home School Resource Center Science Fair.

Although he was an avid reader, Austin also enjoyed being outside boating, swimming and fishing with his family and friends. His great enjoyment of sports began at an early age. He was an avid Gamecocks fan and enjoyed playing baseball, tennis and basketball. Most recently, Austin was selected as an All-Star with the Lexington Dixie Majors. His zeal for doing his best and winning never overshadowed his respect for his opponents and having a godly attitude on the field.

Austin was also an apprentice to his father in his political consulting business and was instrumental in managing various aspects of the family's direct mail business.

Austin's life's goal was to live for God and glorify him. This devotion to his family and friends, as well as his commitment to serve in his church, gave evidence to his conviction that his life belonged to God. In preparing for this, his first missions trip, Austin had taken Spanish at the Midlands Home School Resource Center. He wrote that his reasons for going on this trip were to serve the Lord and to show others what it means to truly be a Christian. He finished well, and his life gives testimony to Jim Elliot's quotation, "he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

In addition to his mother, father, two sisters and brother, Austin is survived by his paternal grandparents, Patty Whetsell of Greenville, and Gene and Kathie Whetsell of Green Pond; maternal grandparents, Nelson and Carole Taylor of Gilbert.

Funeral services for Austin Pierce Whetsell were held on Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Lexington Presbyterian Church with private graveside service at Woodridge Memorial Park. Pallbearers were the Youth Missions Team from Lexington Presbyterian Church, who served with Austin in Mexico. Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund, Lexington Presbyterian Church, 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC 29072 and mailed to Daryl Madi or made to any Wachovia Bank. These funds will be used to further the Mission Project in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

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