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Homer Austin Obituary
He was born August 7, 1944 in Greenlee, Virginia to the late Oscar and Sallie
Austin.
He is preceded in death by his brother Luke Austin.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda B. Austin; his children Hollie Austin and Jathan Austin; his brothers Vaughn Austin, Boyce Austin, Calvin Austin and Joe Austin; his nieces and nephews; and many other
relatives in Virginia.
A professor who taught mathematics at the college level for 45+ years, he received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University, his master's degree from the
University of Wyoming, and his PhD from the University of Virginia. He was employed by
Salisbury University from 1983 until the time of his death.
Homer was passionate about music and throughout his lifetime he played the piano for numerous churches, most recently for Faith Community Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March, 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, Maryland. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington, Virginia. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Hill Family Cemetery in Natural Bridge Station.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent in memory of Homer to the
Arnolds Valley Southern Baptist Church at the following address: Betty Jean Gillam, 82 Hopper
Creek Road, Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, 24579.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Homer Austin
Mary J. Brown
March 22, 2015
Homer and I were classmates and graduated from Natural Bridge High School, Natural Bridge Station Virginia in 1962. Our class was small compared to graduating classes today and I'm sure the rest of our class feels as I do that Homer was a friend to us all. I will never forget his kindness and intelligence and the beautiful blessings he gave before we ate lunch in the grade school cafeteria. Our high school did not have a cafeteria and we looked forward to the "home cooked" meals across the street. As I recall those lunches cost twenty-five cents. Homer was respectful and kind to everyone. Our class of '62 has lost several members and those of us who remain feel the terrible loss of each one. We were a family of country kids who were fortunate to live and learn in a time when life was not simple, yet, we appreciated what we had and were willing to share our talents with others. Rest in peace my friend. You are among the Angels.
Sonya Edwards Leigh & Family
March 18, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time.
Sharon and Evan Thompson
March 13, 2015
Resting with the Angels now Cousin Homer
Sharon and Evan Thompson
March 13, 2015
We were all so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Cousin Homer. Prayers and healing thoughts to all of his family and friends.
WM. & MARY B. THOMPSON
March 11, 2015
HOMER YOU LEFT US TOO SOON. WE WILL MISS HEARING ABOUT ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WERE DOING. YOU WERE A GOOD AND NICE GENTLEMAN.
Charles Ziegenfus
March 11, 2015
I can still recall when Homer was an entering student at Madison College(now JMU). I had Homer in several math classes and we shared interests in number theory. He was a valued and endearing colleague. I know he shared his intense interests with his students.
My deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends at this time.
Gary Beatty
March 10, 2015
In the Fall of 1969 @ Madison College (Almost 46 years ago for those who are not good at math) I had Homer in a Fundamentals of Math course that Education Majors were required to take. In the 1960's Fundamentals of Math was considered a new way to teach mathematics, but over the years I would tease Homer that I would have been more successful in life if I did not have to take the Fundamentals course. We would laugh and he would always compliment me by saying you were a better math student than you realize.
I related very early to Homer because he was only 5 years my senior and yet he was so far more advanced in his career goals. Later as I struggled through statistics, it was Homer that assisted me in achieving success. Homer was always so accessible and willing to help. We talked about our faith and he was such an inspiration to me. He always wanted to know how he could help you.
After I became an administrator at James Madison University, we became even closer and would often discuss the issues going on within the university or on the national level. We talked about his decision to leave JMU and go to Salisbury State. I told him I would probably see him once a year since I was usually on the eastern shore yearly, but reality set in and I only remember stopping in Salisbury twice to see him. We would occasionally talk on the phone about some event that he heard occur at JMU, and I had the pleasure of him stopping to visit with me three years ago as he spent the night in Harrisonburg.
The years did not lessen my wonderful feeling toward Homer. Homer was such a unique, caring individual. An individual, I wish my life's path would have allowed me to spend more time with.
March 10, 2015
It broke my heart when I came across this obituary. Dr. Austin was one of the nicest persons to me and I am so saddened to read of his death. I will think of him often and with big smiles on my face because he had a light in his eyes that was beautiful. I will miss you Dr. Austin.
Keisha Dennis
March 10, 2015
My prayers go out to Mr. Aunstin's family! He was such a WONDERFUL person, his personality was one of a kind. He made me realize that it didn't matter what age you were, you could still learn Math. Heaven gained a wonderful Angel on Friday! Our Math class will never be the same! I'll miss all of the "open discussions" every Tuesday and Thursday .
Travis Bush
March 9, 2015
Dr. Austin had a way of making his students learn without them realizing how much they were learning. It is because of him I learned to think out of the box, question why the event occurs as it does. His enthusiasm for mathematics was truly evident in his classes, and it made his students work harder. Salisbury University lost not only a great professor but a great man. Rest in peace Dr. Austin you will be missed.
March 9, 2015
To the family, may you find peace and comfort during this time of grief. Phillipians 4:6,7
Asheville, NC
March 9, 2015
Linda, thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. I never met Homer but he seemed like a wonderful educator, person, and family man. You and family are in my prayers. Maria Coons Prince
Julie Messick
March 9, 2015
I had Dr. Austin my freshman year at SU for liberal arts math. That class was one of the few math classes I ever enjoyed, he was a great professor.
Bruce Mulford
March 9, 2015
Linda, Holly and Jathan I am so sorry to hear of Homer's passing. Your family and friendship meant so much to our family especially to my parents. I always enjoyed watching Homer play the organ and the piano at church with such energy and enthusiasm. However the most important thing I will always remember is his Christian testimony. He was a great example to me as a young person of the church of what a Godly man should be. I will be praying for you that in the midst of grieving for your husband and father, God will show you his peace that passes all understanding.
James Walsh
March 8, 2015
It is because of Dr Austin that I was able to come as far as I have. He guided me in my undergrad and inspired me with his teaching. He became a mentor and continued helping me to apply to a masters and beyond. It is because of him that I am now in a PhD program and strive every day to be the teacher that he was. No words can describe how thankful I am to have known this man. He was truly an inspiration. I hope that with years of practice that I can be even half of the professor that he was.
Meg Glasston
March 8, 2015
Dear Austin Family,
We were fortunate enough to have Dr. Austin in our lives in the form of university teacher to our son. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Austin and hold the memory of how his kindness, thoughtfulness, and energy contributed to the futures of so many.
March 8, 2015
Linda,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time.
Donna Webster Carroll and Rita Webster Chapman (Hazel's daughters)
Tina,Bill,Mike,Jamie and Bennett Hurley
March 8, 2015
Dear linda and family we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Homer I remember our choir and he could really play a piano we send our condolences and our love
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