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Fred Austin Obituary
October 22, 1933 - March 7, 2023
Fred L. Austin, age 89, entered into eternal life on March 7, 2023. Fred was born on October 22, 1933, in Floyd County, Va. He was a graduate of Check High School, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Emory and Henry College. Fred was an ordained United Methodist minister and served in Holston Conference United Methodist churches in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee for 38 1/2 years. He retired from serving as District Superintendent of the Wytheville District in June, 1996. After retirement he filled in for United Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Baptist churches when needed. He was proud to serve as pastor of Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke for four years. Fred was married to Vivian Light on March 7, 1953. To their marriage of 70 years God added two sons, Roy Stephen and wife, Gail, and Timothy Lewis and wife, Pamela. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Heather Teta (Brian) of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Brad Austin (Lauren) of Charlotte, N.C., Kate Stauffer (Kyle) of Grottoes, and Adam Austin of Harrisonburg, as well as nine great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Fred's life will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with the Reverend Doctor Brian Burch, the Reverend Clarence Dishman, the Reverend Steve Darr, and Pastor Tracy Allen officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with funeral and graveside services to follow. Interment will be held at Birchlawn Burial Park. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (givensfuneralhome.com). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Fred's memory.
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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries
Carol Clower
March 4, 2025
Vivian, I think of you often and hope you are doing well. I just reread Freddie´s obituary and saw something I missed originally. He passed away on your anniversary? He was a good man and a fine Christian. I am sure he is enjoying being in the presence of the Master he served so well and I am sure you miss him every day. Jeanette told us you are doing okay. Take care and God continue having His face to shine upon you. Carol & Stanley Clower
Carol & Stanley Clower
March 11, 2023
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Vivian and his family. The two most memorable characteristics of Freddie for us were his remarkable ability to quote scripture and his ever-present broad smile. No matter when or where we encountered him over the years, his joy in the Lord just bubbled over in his speech and demeanor. He was truly a man of God, who is now hearing his "Well done, good and faithful servant." He will be missed here but welcomed there.
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