Gary Forrest Austin

Rest in Peace Gary from Lawrence, Virginia and Ivan

Some of my earliest memories are of my Uncle Gary : swimming with him at St Pete Beach, rescuing a baby shark that had gotten caught in a plastic bag with him, sitting in our backyard where he tried to dodge the mangos the squirrels threw at him (no one else, just him!), and the way he would call me Lobster Legs when I had a sunburn. He had an infectious laugh, a gleam in his eye, and he taught me love of the water, love of animals, love of beautiful gardens, love of family, and love of mischief. He was one of a kind and the world is better because he was in it. My love and condolences go deep for Aunt Lil, Jimmy, Ryker, my Daddy Paul, and my Mom Linda. I hope we all carry the love and memories of him forever.

I´ll always remember the first time I met Gary, it was Halloween, and I showed up at their house to see one of the best displays in the neighborhood. You could tell right away how much pride and care he put into everything he did, even something as simple as decorating for the holiday. That kind of attention and thoughtfulness seemed to reflect who he was, someone who didn´t do things halfway, who made the extra effort, and who brought a bit of joy and fun into the lives of others. Rest in Peace

Gary was my cousin. We saw each other only as children as his family moved to Florida when he was quite young. We lost touch as I grew up, married and had my family. After my Aunt Eunice died..Gary´s life was not easy for him and his brothers. His life in the military was another disappointment. All the work he did in Viet Nam wasn´t acknowledged by our US so he got screwed again!! The best thing that ever happened to my Gary is his meeting and marrying Lil. What a special woman she is. Because of her I got back reconnected with Gary. We talked on the phone and she kept me up-to-date on their life and his dam cancer. Rest in peace Gary. Until we meet again.

A hero, I salute him a very brave man. I personally did not know him but I knew Lillian and just by knowing Lillian her personality they had to have been a wonderful couple. My condolences Lillian to you and your family