Wendell Austin

Wendell Lee "Windy" Austin Fayetteville musical icon, Windy Austin, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2010, at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale. He was born July 29, 1952, and is survived by his wife of many years, Tawanna Austin, of their Springdale home, sons Arron Wilson and wife Shelley, of Stillwell, OK, and Blake Kelley of Springdale, grandsons Will & Steven Wilson, his father Kenneth Austin of Hot Springs, his mother, Virginia Austin of Mineola, Texas, four brothers of Hot Springs, sister Gwynda Milner of Mineola, Texas, nephew Cody Milner, and niece Shea Milner. He was preceded in death by his brother Lynn Austin. Windy is best known for co-fronting Zorro & the Blue Footballs with Mike Mohney, and fronting the bands Rodeo and The Hot House Tomato Boys, taking them to the national level, and just as important, has been a beloved entertainer on the Fayetteville music scene since the early 1970s. Zorro was featured in the Peter Fonda movie "Fighting Mad". His musicianship, songwriting and comedy was second to none, and his legend will live on through video and CDs such as "Romeos Last Go Around" and the Zorro LPs "Zorro and the Blue Footballs" and "Rated Blue". A memorial for Windy is being held this Sunday, Aug. 15, at George's Majestic, 519 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, beginning at 4:00 p.m. There will be food, music, videos, toasts and many funny stories about Windy. Several bands will be playing in tribute to Windy, and all friends, family, fans and musicians are invited to attend. Donations to cover medical and funeral expenses are appreciated and can be made to "The Windy Austin Memorial Fund". Visit The Windy Austin Memorial Service on Facebook for more information and to post online condolences.