Bob Austell

Robert Donald "Bob" Austell, age 83, of Cherryville passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at his residence. He was born March 20, 1939 in Gaston County, a son of the late James Petty Austell, Jr. and Nell McGinnis Austell Daggerhart. He was a 1957 graduate of Cherryville High School where he was selected Best Male Athlete. Bob spent 38 years in management with Carolina Freight Carriers and retired as Vice President of Terminals. Bob is fondly remembered by the townspeople for his 10 consecutive years that he served as Mayor of Cherryville. He spent his life in service to others. He held many civic duties over the years including, coaching senior little league baseball for 8 years and was selected to the Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame, President of East Elementary PTA, President of Cherryville High School Boosters Club, Chairman of the Miss Cherryville Beauty Pageant, President of the Cherryville Jaycees, President of Cherryville Country Club, President of Cherryville YMCA, board member of Gaston County YMCA Metro-Board, board member of Gaston County Cancer Society, Chairman of Cherryville Economic Committee, board member of Cherryville Community Development Corporation, advisor to the Gaston College School of Nursing, 10 years on Lake Norman Rural Planning Board with 2 years as vice chairman and 2 years as chairman, 10 years on Centralina Council for Government with 4 years as an officer, Board of Gaston Together Strategic Council for Government, Gaston 2012 Board, co-chairman of Gaston 2012 Collaborative Partners Transportation Committee, and organized and served on the City of Cherryville Finance Committee. Bob was also involved with a number of organizations where he held memberships with the following, Cherryville Masonic Lodge #505 A.F.&A.M, Scottish Rite of Charlotte, Oasis Shrine Temple of Charlotte, Battle of Kings Mountain SAR, and longtime member of the NC State Wolfpack Club. He was awarded with the prestigious and exclusive "Order of the Long Leaf Pine." Bob was a devoted Christian and active member of First United Methodist Church of Cherryville where he served as Chairman of the Staff Parish Committee, member of Parsonage Committee, President of Methodist Men, member of Church Administrative Board, and a counselor for the Methodist Youth Fellowship. He was an individual of momentous personal accomplishment and public service. He was a kind and gentle man of sterling character, commendable personal attributes, and deep, abiding Christian faith. Bob was a natural-born leader, a man of vision, and was gifted with a determined spirit and phenomenal work ethic. He was a warm and personable man who was a model husband, father, grandfather, public servant, church leader, businessman, and friend to all. He enjoyed genealogy and truly treasured all his family; past, present, and future.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Caryl Beam Austell; stepfather, Paul Daggerhart; and brother-in-law, David Spencer.
Survivors include his daughters, Teesie Smith (Danny), Kim Crane (Stephen), Amy Turner (David), and Elizabeth Shuford (Lee); grandchildren, Charlie Smith (Clare), Robert Smith (Danielle), Adam Crane (Rachel), Stephanie Crane (Jon), Kelly Setzer (Will), Dave Turner (Jamie), Rachel Turner, Riley Shuford, Henry Shuford, and Ella Shuford; great grandchildren, Kate Setzer, William Setzer, Daniel Setzer, Ada Smith, Maggie Smith, Joel Smith, and Wilson Smith; sister, Mary Ann Spencer; niece, Sharon Ariosto; nephew, Dee Spencer; and brother-in-law, James L. Beam III (Becky).
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Zack Christy officiating. Burial will follow at City Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, from 1:30 to 2:45 PM prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 601 N. Pink St. Cherryville NC 28021.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the caregivers Kay Edmondson, Loretta Shull, Charlotte Cook, Sandra Bowen, Nadine Butler, Dee Patterson, Candace Brannon, Brenda Anthony, Leanne Morris, Kim Alexander, and Willietta as well as Dr. James Greelish, Dr. Ronald Digby, and Dr. Charmaine Luvis for their excellent care over the years.
Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com
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