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Austin Utley Obituary
Let me tell you the story of a man who even as a child laughed and engaged in life with such zeal that it was beautifully contagious to all those around him. As a man, he was also characterized by his intense love for his family and friends, his generosity, and his compassion for those down on their luck. I need to tell you this story because those of you that did not have the blessing of knowing my son, no longer have that opportunity. Tragically, Austin is no longer with us. On the evening of May 28, 2019 Austin was viciously and cruelly killed by a man with murder in his heart. While nothing on earth can fill the void left in our lives, we take comfort in knowing that Austin is with his Savior in heaven. While we cannot possibly see how, at this time, we know that Austin would be the first to point out that God will use what was intended as evil for the greater glory and furtherance of His kingdom. Austin is survived by his parents, a brother and sister-in-law, two sisters, a brother-in-law, two nieces, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Austin also left behind his girlfriend of 4 years. Austin was born on August 25, 1988 in Jackson, MS and grew up in Lisle, IL, where he lived life to the max and made many friends.
The last leg in the journey of Austin's life took place in The Woodlands, TX after moving with the family from IL. He worked part time and went to college. During this time, he deepened his walk with his Lord and was looking forward to expanding his dog-sitting service and to start acting on his dream of providing a shelter for abandoned and abused dogs. Austin loved the family and was very sentimental and cherished those relationships. He was a humble man, with few possessions. However, the possessions he treasured were those items that represented a family relationship; a groomsman's gift from his brother, a small cross with a flower from his mother, a Leatherman tool from his father and a shield of faith neck chain and baseball memento from his sisters. As I close this last testament to Austin's memory, I can still clearly hear his voice gently breaking with laughter. I cannot help but wonder how long I will retain the clarity of this precious memory and my heart breaks to think that as long as I live, I will never hear his voice or be able to embrace him again.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Austin Utley
Sponsored by Austin’s loving family.
Sage Hatcher
December 20, 2019
Austin was always funny, laughed a lot, and kind. I wish I would have made more memories with him as we got older, but I am grateful for the times we had together. I loved getting to see him at Gulf Shores cause I knew how fun he was to be around. :)
Sage Hatcher - December 12 at 10:59 AM
Lucy Utley
December 6, 2019
Steve & Marie Wolff
December 4, 2019
Dear Austin,
We think of you every day.
You make us smile, and cry, and PRAY.
Austin Utley, our love we do send.
You are the BEST: son, brother, friend.
Believe me when I say
we'll be with you some day
in a world that will NEVER end.
Now, dear ones, this year draws to a close.
What will the future bring? (no one knows)
But please do not cower
from thorns on the flower-
life with friends is a beautiful rose.
Sincerely, Steve (&Marie) Wolff
Lucy Utley
October 26, 2019
August birthday siblings
Lucy Utley
October 25, 2019
Lucy Utley
October 7, 2019
Lucy Utley
October 7, 2019
Lucy Utley
October 7, 2019
Lucy Utley
September 17, 2019
September 16, 2019
Although I have never met Austin. I heard his story from Bill so many times before that I feel he is a part of my life already. After attending his memorial service, I got to know him much more and deeply regret that I haven't had the opportunity of meeting him because I am sure we would make great friends (we both love living life to the fullest adventure and my favorite sport is snowboarding). His kindness toward animals and people down on their luck deeply touched me. His faith in God touched me even more and I cried and cried at the service. But I decided I will not stop there and should do something in his honor. Inspired by the faith of Austin's family, I started a Bible study group at work. I am also working on establishing an endowment fund in memory of Austin (it will be named after Austin) with Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine for pet rescue which is one of his passions, so his legacy can continue to live while he is in heaven watching us from above. Like the pastor said in the service, there is no good bye, there is only see you later in heaven. Our presence on earth is only temporary and we should all live to glorify God by loving others and one day we will all meet again in heaven. Hope I will get to shred some blacks on snowboarding with Austin when we see each other again!
Sophie Jia - August 01 at 09:03 AM
September 16, 2019
Austin was my lab partner and great friend for years at TCD in high school many laughs and times were shared my condolences to everyone that got to share an amazing time with such a wonderful soul! Scurtee.
Anthony West - July 06 at 07:26 PM
September 16, 2019
Austin was one of my favorite cousins. Not only was he a cousin but also a friend. He was always smiling, laughing and fun to be around. We would always go to wal mart and play guitar hero some evenings and play in the game room at the beach. He will truly be missed!
Les Bailey - June 26 at 07:03 PM
September 16, 2019
Austin was a comedian!! He knew how to make people laugh!! My favorite memory of him was when he made funny faces!!
Jessica Hatcher - June 23 at 08:34 AM
Mary Hatcher
September 16, 2019
Mary Hatcher
September 16, 2019
Mary Hatcher
September 16, 2019
Mary Hatcher
September 16, 2019
September 16, 2019
Austin, our 6th grandchild of 15, spent a month with us during a time of transition move from Lisle, IL to The Woodlands, TX. While he was here that month he shared an experience of sensing the awesome presence of God while reading some works of C.S. Lewis & Watchman Nee late one night. It seemed to me he was always looking for the real thing & obviously he knew our Lord in a personal & real way. He helped his Papaw H. dig post holes for a little curved bridge on our property during this visit & learned what Papaw meant when he said "You will earn a PHD."(Post Hole Digger) He ate a lot of Bagel bites & Hebrew hotdogs! Would take his cousins Les & Matthew to town & play video games on Walmarts demo games and to football games to see his cousin Brittany perform halftime on dance team. We are thankful for every memory of his visit.
More recently, he told me he loved the pictures in his 2018 bday card we sent of his baseball trophies & especially the one of me holding him in Lucedale park with his blonde hair. He will FOREVER be in our hearts & memories. With loving thoughts of spending eternity with him, Grandma & Papaw Hatcher
June 17 at 03:21 PM
September 16, 2019
Great kid and nephew with a warm, soft heart and contagious smile. Seeya soon...absent from the body, present with our Lord!
Prayers for wisdom and peace for Bill and Lucy and family,
Love Always Uncle Ken and Aunt G
Ken and G - June 15 at 02:58 PM
September 16, 2019
Austin was one of my best friends growing up in Lisle. I met him in the third grade at our first Astros baseball practice. We were friends instantly. I have so many great memories with him from our trips to six flags to our endless days at the Lisle pool to the great baseball teams we were on together. I miss him more than ever. He was a very special and unique person that will live on forever in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with the Utleys. Love you Austin.
Mitchell Gihle - June 15 at 12:15 PM
September 16, 2019
Sympathy Fruits Abound was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 15 at 11:33 AM
Praying for God's presence and peace to saturate your family during this season of healing!
We love you!
Helen and Dan
James Venard
September 16, 2019
James Venard
September 16, 2019
September 16, 2019
My thoughts are with the Utley family during this difficult time . I had the pleasure of meeting Austin in 4th grade during little league baseball. Austin is a great friend and an even better person. He had the most creative mind Ive ever met and gave me some of the best laughs of my life that I will never forget. Austin and his family are in my prayers.
James Venard
June 13, 2019
September 16, 2019
Bill and Lucy, my heart goes out to you in the loss of Austin. I pray that you will find comfort with the Lord and that he will give you peace that Austin is with him. Praying for the family. With deepest sympathy.
Earline Martin
Earline B. Martin - June 10 at 09:35 AM
September 16, 2019
Pretty Please was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 08 at 08:06 AM
With deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts.
September 16, 2019
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 07 at 12:14 PM
May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand. Sending prayers and love.
The Mag Moms
September 16, 2019
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 06 at 01:43 PM
September 16, 2019
Thinking and praying for your family during this difficult time.
Stephen and Kasee Noland
June 6, 2019
September 16, 2019
Keeping you in our prayers for strength and peace.
Jerri Ewing, Jimmy and Laurie Martin
June 8, 2019
September 16, 2019
We love you guys and are praying for your family.
Dave, Daphnee, and Paul
June 4, 2019
September 16, 2019
Sent with love and remembrance. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
All our love,
Chris, Shelley, Luke, Logan, and Sydney Hatcher
September 16, 2019
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
Aunt Phyllis & Uncle Wayne and Family
June 3, 2019
September 16, 2019
Praying and loving you as we remember Austin's beautiful life.
Days of Sunshine Bouquet was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 06 at 09:29
Dave and Lisa Snider
September 16, 2019
Days of Sunshine Bouquet was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 06 at 09:29 AM
September 16, 2019
Sweetest Sunrise Bouquet was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 06 at 09:09 AM
September 16, 2019
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 06 at 07:47 AM
September 16, 2019
Rick & Laura Williams purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
Rick & Laura Williams - June 05 at 05:19 PM
September 15, 2019
With heartfelt sympathy, your Habitat Family purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
With heartfelt sympathy, your Habitat Family - June 05 at 05:08 PM
September 15, 2019
Magnificent Life Spray was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
June 05 at 02:44 PM
September 15, 2019
Kate and Craig Holzhauser purchased the Lavender Reflections Spray for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
Kate and Craig Holzhauser - June 05 at 02:36 PM
September 15, 2019
Chris, Shelley, Luke, Logan and Sydney Hatcher purchased the Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
Chris, Shelley, Luke, Logan and Sydney Hatcher - June 04 at 12:36 PM
September 15, 2019
Basket of Memories was purchased for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
September 15, 2019
Aunt Phyllis and uncle Wayne and family purchased the Ocean Breeze Spray for the family of Austin Bryce Utley.
September 15, 2019
I first met Austin as a 5 year-old kindergartener when he was in the same class as my son. Austin was vibrant, talkative, and always smiling. I loved that he was unsophisticated, just a warm hearted delightful boy. I remember fondly his visits to our house. My sincere condolences and much love to all of Austins family and friends.
Shelly - June 03 at 01:57 PM
July 5, 2019
July 4, 2019
What lovely, heartfelt, words you wrote about your dear son Austin. Although I did not meet him personally, I feel like I know him because of the wonderful way you described him. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I truly am. Something that can help during such difficult times is the beautiful promise God extends to us personally at Psalm 9:9. May you find comfort in this passage.
Callie, MI
Robin
July 3, 2019
My deep condolences Utley family. May all of your happy times together continue to make your hearts smile. May God's Word comfort you as you grieve the loss of such a loving and kind person. -1Peter5:7
July 1, 2019
To Austin's family and friends, please take comfort in each other during this sad time. My deepest sympathies go out to you all.
Jessica Hatcher
June 22, 2019
My favorite memory of Austin would be when he saw me when I would go see him!! His facial expression and smile!!
June 21, 2019
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family for your loss. May you be comforted by your memories, as you await the fulfillment of God's promise to one day be reunited with your loved one again-John 6:4
June 20, 2019
I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to your family and friends. May the God of all comport grant you peace and strength during difficult time (Psalm 91:11).
Lisa Coyne
June 19, 2019
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for you and your family that The Lord will hold you and comfort you and that justice will be done this side of heaven...
June 19, 2019
With deepest sympathy may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, bring you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22.
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