Edward Austin Jones Jr.

An amateur at golf, a pro at life, Austin Jones' was a life well lived. Born in Orlando on October 15, 1935, he passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 15, 2021.

Austin played many sports during his childhood years in Orlando and Dixie, Ga. While at Edgewater High School he focused on golf which would become a lifelong passion earning him titles and accolades over the years. After his golf team won the state championship during his senior year, Austin attended the University of Florida on a golf scholarship, where is he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Called into active duty with the Army, he served as a golf pro during his time in the service. He was instrumental in introducing Arnold Palmer to Central Florida as one of the organizers of a charity exhibition match that brought Palmer to Orlando. This event was so successful it later became the Florida Citrus Open, which Austin chaired in 1973, and is now known as the Bay Hill Classic. In 1975, Austin was named by the Florida section of the PGA as their inaugural Amateur of the Year for his accomplishments and service both on and off the golf course. His successes on the course continued over the years, winning numerous local, state, and national titles. In fact, in 1994 Golf Digest ranked him in as the 6th best Senior Amateur golfer in America.

Yet Austin was so much more than golf.

Returning to Orlando after his time in the service, Austin worked in his father's real estate business selling residential real estate. In 1963, Austin took over Cooper and Jones with his partner, Wayne Cooper, taking the firm into real estate development for the growing Orlando community. Awarded an appraisal license in the 1970s, he held the license until his retirement in 2017. At the time, it was noted the longest running appraisal license in the State of Florida.

The dedication he demonstrated as a golfer and appraiser was what made Austin great as a man. He was very active at the Country Club of Orlando, serving as president in 1986. A member of the Orlando Jaycees and numerous real estate/appraisal organizations, he is a past president of the Southern Golf Association and former board member of the Society of Seniors golf organization. A proud Christian, he loved the Lord and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.

Austin was adored by family and friends, just as he adored family and friends.

Austin is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Laura Dun Jones, children Kim Carter Rowe (Kenny), Chris Jones (Julie), Jaime Jones Kemper (Scott), Bryce Mapp, Betsy Mapp Sturgis (Mike), 8 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Johnny Jones (Patsy), nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends that will all miss him greatly.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to First Presbyterian Church of Orlando or Hospice/VNA of Vero Beach (1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, 32960). A private memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando for family on Friday, August 20. A celebration of life reception will be held at Dubsdread Country Club at 12:30 for family and friends.