Austin, Dr. William Elliott

April 15, 1950 - October 1, 2023

On October 1, 2023, Dr. William Elliott Austin, age 73, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and three daughters. Bill was born on April 15, 1950, in Bluefield, VA, to the late J. Olin & Vera Elizabeth Austin. He was preceded in death by his son, Luke Olin Austin and his granddaughter, Faith Lynn Bourquin. The family grew up in Bluefield, VA and Bill went on to attend the University of Virginia. Following graduation, Bill attended the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and proudly graduated medical school in three years. Bill then moved to Winston-Salem where he completed his residency at Wake Forest. In 1980, Bill joined Salem Gastroenterology, where he committed his life to caring for his patients over the last 43 years. Bill is survived by his wife, Julie of 39 years; daughters, Amanda Hummel (Andy) of Raleigh, Anna Givens (Nathan) of Charlotte, and Julie-Lynn Bourquin (Mike) of Durham; grandchildren, Alexander, Robert, Davis, Mary-Rane, Eloise, Miller, Wells, Stafford, Walker, Paige, and Tyson. To his 11 grandchildren, Bill was known as "Doctor Grandpa or DG". He is survived by his brothers; Rudy Austin (Betty) of Pinehurst, Lane Austin (Peggy) of Princeton, WV, and Vera Lee Austin of Bluefield, VA. He was loved by one niece and many nephews. In addition to the numerous patients' lives he touched; Bill was loved by numerous family friends. The family would like to express appreciation for the love and care Bill received from adopted son-in-law, Chad Bourquin. Over the past few years, Bill has found so much joy in joining friends and colleagues to play keyboard in their band, "Guilty Party". Bill adored Bruce Springsteen, reading, family beach trips and watching those around him have a good time.

A celebration of life service will be held at Pinedale Christian Church on Monday October 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Randy Harris officiating. A private graveside service for immediate family will be held prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation supporting families of first responders, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or Pinedale Christian Church, 3395 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, who hold dental clinics for veterans. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Dr. Austin. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel

3315 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

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Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Oct. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Austin

Sponsored by Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home Silas Creek Chapel - Winston-Salem.

17 Entries

Kathy Butner

December 18, 2024

Prayer for the family this Christmas
I know you miss him dearly!
God bless you all!!
He was not only my dr for 42 years but a good friend!
He always prayed with me before any procedure and there were many
May God give you all peace this holiday season and remember Bill is in the heavens celebrating

Terri Drake

December 18, 2024

Merry Christmas to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. I miss Dr. Austin. I was a patient of his for many many years. I gave him as a gift a statue of a doctor and he put in his office. He was a great doctor and gone to soon but will always be in our hearts.

Carol A. Robbins

October 2, 2024

Dr. Austin was my doctor for many, many years. He was so kind and thoughtful. I was scheduled to see him and was told he was in hospital for foot surgery. I saw his PA and a few days later received the news of his death. I was so shocked and sad. The world lost a good man and a great doctor. It was a pleasure and honor that he was my doctor. I think of him often.

Jane Shelton

October 2, 2024

Oh, how I miss you, sweet Dr. Austin. In the years which I have left on this earth, I will NEVER have another GI doctor who cared about my well being as you did. I look forward to seeing you when I, too, graduate to Heaven.

Betsy Fowler (Idol)

October 13, 2023

I worked with Dr. Austin at Salem GI for 20 years. He was so dedicated to his patients. We shared a lot of laughs over the years. He will definitely be missed!

Randy Keith MD

October 10, 2023

Dr Austin was one of the kindest people I have met. He was also a great physician and a great help to many in need of care and compassion. He is truly irreplaceable and will be missed so much by so many.

Robert Harper

October 9, 2023

I am in shock of Dr Austin´s passing. He was my Dads Doc in 1980 when he came to Forsyth, then my mothers, then mine, my wife´s, and my Mother in law. Never had been such a caring and compassionate Doc to us and others as well. Always had a smile and so easy to talk with. When someone ask me for a referral it would be to Dr Austin. Was going to schedule an appointment in the next few weeks. He will be surly missed by us and family. Our prayers for the entire family for peace and comfort. God bless. Bob an Kay Harper

Terri C Drake

October 9, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was a patient of his for many years. I was suppose to have seen him this year. Dr. Austin, you will solely be missed. A Great Doctor who cared for his patients!

Mary Anne Merritt

October 9, 2023

Dr Austin was a very young physician when I first met him in 1981 after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He was a very kind man, with a good sense of humor. I can still see his smile. Prayers to the entire family. He will be missed.

Denise Criss, PA-C (retired)

October 9, 2023

I have lovely memories if working with Dr. Austin at Salem Gastro. He was a kind man and excellent physician.

Melanie Southard

October 8, 2023

I met Dr. Austin when he had PT on his knee back in 1993. I was one of his treating therapist and I was getting married that year. He was so kind and thoughtful that he went an bought me a wedding gift. And to this day 30 yrs later I still have my gift. Sending prayers for comfort and healing.

Taylor´s

October 8, 2023

Our condolences to the family and friends. Dr. Austin was my first GAP doctor. He saved me back in the early 90´s.
He was a great doctor and the family should be honored.
Prayers to you all

Kathy Butner

October 8, 2023

Dr. Austin has been my Dr since July 198, 42 years in Emergency room during a terrible sickness after 6 months
He diagnosed me with Crohns
Saved my life through God´s guidance
Saved my life several times with all IBD related issues and almost death!
42 years of being a great
Christian Dr and I am in shock
August 14th I was due to see
him
Rescheduled as he was recuperating from surgery
Last Monday October 2nd I had a follow up and was shocked to the core to hear of his sudden passing night before
Everyone was shocked as just finding out being the early appointment
I´m still in shock
I will miss him dearly
He was a kind faithful Christian, husband, Dr. friend, always had a smile and we always laughed at
at one of our favorite movies " " "
"cool Hand Luke"
He shared a lot of memories of his college day about how he took a dare to eat 50 Reese´s cups like cool hand Luke ate 50 hard boiled eggs
That Christmas I gave him a bag of 50 Reese cups. His favorite and said" Still shaking boss" on tag and what we have here is a " "problem to communicate "
Guilty Party gigs
I met his sweet family
I´m so sorry for your loss and he will be truly missed
Good bless you all
Kathy Butner

Kathy Moser

October 8, 2023

I have been a patient of Dr. Austin's for 18 years ans I must say he was the most kind and caring man that I have been associated with. I thank a coworker for referring me to him. I recently saw him in his office and he set me up for a procedure to be done soon and said he hoped to be back by then. I was recently referred to one of his colleagues. My prayers go out to his family and his work family. May he rest in peace and I pray each of you find comfort and peace in the coming days. Thank you all for sharing such a sweet man.

Barbara Edwards

October 8, 2023

Dr Austin was a cherished and trusted gastroenterologist for my husband Drew and me for many years. He was kind and caring as well as a capable clinician. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his lovely family. May you Rest in Peace, dear Dr. Austin. Sending love and prayers for comfort during this difficult time. Barbara Edwards

Benita Hauser, Gwyn Young and Cathy Stoltz

October 8, 2023

Our deepest condolences go out to all the Austin family. Dr. Austin was such a compassionate and caring person. The dedication he had for helping his patients was what we all admired about him. So often he would mention the most special thing in his life - 'spending time with his family'. He dearly cherished the yearly vacations with all of you. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We hope these heartfelt words bring comfort to you during this difficult time.

Otis Turley and Tammy Ragan

October 7, 2023

Our deepest sympathies to all of Dr. Austin´s Family and his colleagues!! We Loved him so Much! Always showed how much he cared for his patients!! Took his time to explain everything in detail no questions were to silly to ask? Your sense of Humor was Wonderful!! We are so Greatful and Blessed to know you and the care you gave to us and saving so many lives!! Thank You for all you have done for Otis!
Dr. Austin you can never be replaced nor forgotten!!
You will be missed!!
Much Love RIP not just a Dr. a Friend too!!

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