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Wayne Austin Obituary
February 8, 1946 - April 5, 2023
Harold Wayne Austin, 77, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. He was predeceased by wife Cindy, son Drew, both parents and two brothers. He is survived by sons Brandon and Brian as well as grandchildren Bradan, Morgan, Dylan and great grandson Connor. There will be no formal service.
Wayne served in the Air Force as a Military Police Officer. This led him into a career with the Greensboro Police Department from which he retired in the mid 1990s. Badge 14 started in Patrol where he policed with natural command presence and his trademark walk. Early in his career, he earned the nickname "Shotgun." For those who were around during that time, it's unclear if he was ever able to live it down.
For the majority of his career, Wayne was in the Training Division, running the Police Academy for new recruits and teaching annual in-service training to veteran officers. His primary areas of specialty were firearms, defensive tactics and pursuit driving. These were the skills that most likely would ensure that an officer would survive their tour of duty. For several decades, no officers continued their careers without benefitting from Wayne's expertise.
Wayne was a cop's cop. He wasn't always politically correct, and his language could, at times, be a bit colorful, but he got his message across, and his position was never in question. He had a unique sense of humor and a dry wit; he was well-respected and admired. He was a loyal and faithful friend. What he meant to the Department, and to so many officers, can't be adequately expressed. There are a very select few who have a distinctive impact on the Department, and Wayne was in this small and elite group. He was in the right place at the right time for so many who chose to wear the badge. Wayne, may you now be at peace, in good health, reunited with loved ones, and resting with The Heavenly Father. We remember you with laughter and tears, and we can't thank you enough for helping us to get home safely.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Austin
George Little
August 22, 2023
Wayne taught me what it meant to be a professional police officer and a man. My condolences to the family. You'll be truly missed.
William Tucker
June 3, 2023
Sad to hear this. Known Wayne since Lindley Elementary days in Mr. Gardner's 6th grade. He, Al Lineberry and I sang in the 1st Garther Adfrey's Talent show play in the 6th grade. Lot of memories. Have an old newspaper picture of us as Lindley school officers. God rest his soul.
George marks
June 1, 2023
I remember Wayne always had a half smile on his face. He was a great cop and teacher. He was always glad to go out of his way to help you. I will miss my brother from GPD.
Ned McMillan
May 11, 2023
Wayne was my closest friend our sophomore year at GHS.
To pay tribute to Wayne, please accept my using the letters of his name to describe my memory of him:
W = witty (when he kidded you, you could see the twinkle in his eye
A= athletic (best water skier I ever saw)
Y = yes (he responded Yes to all major requests, including the Air Force, Greensboro Police Department, his family, etc.)
N= natural (Wayne was remarkably talented as a police officer, trainer, shagger, and more
E = Earnhardt (he could drive just like Dale)
Randolph Ariail
May 10, 2023
Wayne was a "man's man who lived his life with honor and dedication to his profession. Without knowing, he probably saved the lives of countless officers by giving them the training and safety habits necessary to survive in a dangerous profession. You made a difference! You were one of the outstanding member of Grimsley '64. RIP, 10-42, well done!
Shellie Crawford
May 1, 2023
Brandon, Brian, I am sorry to hear about Wayne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. you two hold on to each other tight. Keep that brother bond strong.
Lesley Ellis
April 30, 2023
Wayne Austin was one of the best officer's Greensboro ever produced. A great mentor and friend. He taught me much and I am sad to hear he passed. God Bless you Wayne.
David Wray
April 25, 2023
Wayne Austin's contribution to police training is widely known. As a coach, instructor, and training coordinator he covered the full spectrum of police training needs. Specializing in high-risk areas of instruction, a significant number of tense situations had better outcomes because the officers involved had the benefit of his instruction. Beyond this, he taught the difficult and tricky lessons of officer discretion by modeling firmness, fairness, mercy when possible, and common sense. He well understood and appreciated those protected and served and those who did the protecting and the serving. GPD was better because of his service.
Ila Dalrymple
April 24, 2023
RIP, Wayne.
Lee Caviness
April 24, 2023
Wayne was a great man and excellent officer. He was loved by all and will be sorely missed. RIP Brother In Blue.
Steve Goode
April 24, 2023
One of the best Training Officers GPD ever produced. Thank you Wayne for all the lessons you taught us.
MJM
April 23, 2023
He was a force to be reckoned with when you were in the police academy.. Blessings for his family. MJM
J.D. Jones
April 23, 2023
Wayne taught all of the GPD rookies over the years and he actually got thru this hard head. No pain,or sorrows healthy too. R I P .
Dwight Rooker
April 23, 2023
Wayne was a super guy. So sorry that he had a rough retirement and a lot of health issues.
Oscar Williamsoin
April 23, 2023
I remember growing up on Marion Street in Glenwood and Wayne live up the street from us. He was one of the kids who played kick the can and our excuse for foot ball on half of a vacant lot. My Dad and brother were on the Greensboro Police Force while Wayne was there. He will be missed by a lot of folks.
Ron Hartsook
April 23, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you! Wayne was a good guy and there are many that called him their friend. May God bless you with wonderful memories of your time together. Sincerely, Ron Hartsook
Brandon Austin
April 21, 2023
My dad was a tough but fair man. He taught me work ethic. Do it right or don´t do it at all. He instilled me with the traits that made me the man I am. Hope your at peace POPS. Will always miss and love you. Thank you for making a man outta of a kid!
Olive Jordan
April 18, 2023
I knew Wayne most of my life and was so excited when I saw him once when he was disguised (to most people) and on an undercover stakeout that I shouted out his name until he calmly told me what he was doing. Sorry Wayne! Condolences to the family and rest in peace old friend. We will be sad at all future reunions thinking of you!
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