Joe Austin

Joe Bill Austin, 81, of Holly Street, Hudson, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at the residence.

He was born Aug. 10, 1926, in Caldwell County to the late George and Mary Etta Crump Austin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Ernest Austin, Charles Austin and Brooks Austin; and one sister, Mrs. Louise Austin Kirby.

Mr. Austin was retired from Bernhardt Furniture Company. He was a United States WWII Marine veteran and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Evelyn Guinn Austin of the home; one son, Terry Lee Austin and his wife Betty of Lake City, Fla.; two daughters, Ms. Judy Austin of Hudson and Mrs. Linda Culpepper and her husband Gerald of Nashville, Tenn.; one stepson, Terry Lee Graham and his wife Deborah of Hudson; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Regina Wolfe and her husband Robert of Hudson; one sister, Mrs. Emo Austin Carter and her husband Wade of Gastonia; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held today at 11 a.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Chris Jones. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir.

The family received friends Monday evening at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Wolfe Sr., Ronnie Calloway, Tyler Graham, Billy Austin, Rodney Jongetjes, Dustin Thomas and George Carter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brandi Pursel, Christopher Jongetjes, Autumn Leigh Jones, Caleb Abshire, Austin Wright, Jessie Wright, Kacey Hurley, Aislynn Hurley, Tiffany Austin, Xavier Austin and Monique Austin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Pallaitive Care, 902 Kirkwood Street Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.