Spenser Stephen Austin

Beloved husband, son, brother, soon-to-be uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 16, 2026, at his home in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Spenser was born on June 7, 1996, in Bay City, Michigan, to Amy (White) Austin and the late Bryon Austin. He was a proud 2015 graduate of John Glenn High School in Bay City. Following graduation, he was employed by Straights Wood Treating, where he assisted with loading and unloading trucks, and later was employed by Bierlein Companies, Inc. where he helped in the demolition of buildings in and out of state. He was employed at many other jobs before he joined the military because he was such a free spirit that he couldn't stay in one job for very long because he got bored and wanted to learn and do more things.

In January 2021, Spenser proudly enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, served at Fort Hood, Texas, deployed overseas to Poland, and returned to Fort Benning in April 2024, where he attained the rank of Specialist.

While in high school, Spenser met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Chantal Rose-Marie Piggott. They dated, fell deeply in love, and were united in marriage on December 20, 2021. Chantal survives him.

Throughout his life, Spenser was affectionately known by several nicknames “Scuba Steve,” “Mack Daddy,” and “Spense.” From time to time, he attended church with Chantal at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, the old St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Spenser enjoyed bowling and proudly participated on the varsity bowling team during high school. He found freedom, excitement, and adventure whenever he was riding one of his motorcycles.

Above all, Spenser treasured and cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his beloved wife, Chantal. He will forever be remembered for his playful, outgoing, and adventurous spirit; his unwavering loyalty to those he loved; and for truly being one of the most remarkable people the world has ever known.

Surviving are his wife, Chantal Rose-Marie Austin of Fort Benning, Georgia; his mother, Amy Austin of Bay City; his brother, Alex (Elizabeth) Austin, and their baby on the way, of Bay City; his mother-in-law, Ann Zimmerman of Bay City; his father-in-law, Adam Zimmerman of Bay City; two sisters-in-law, Tristan (Keith) Barrigar of St. Charles and Elizabeth Zimmerman of Bay City; two brothers-in-law, Adam Zimmerman II and Brenden Zimmerman, both of Bay City, Michigan; and his best friend, Jenna McCurley of Opelika, Alabama. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and his brothers and sisters in the military—too numerous to mention, yet all held closely in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents. Along with two children that did not have the chance to make it to this world.

A funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 31,2026 at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N Miller Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609. Pastor J. D. Howell will officiate. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army. Honoring the family’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the funeral home on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10:00 am until the time of service. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or online at www.casefuneralhome.com.