Edward M. Austin

Edward Austin was born May 8, 1948, to the late Mack and Ruth Austin in Macon, GA.  He transitioned from labor to reward on March 12, 2025.  Edward was educated in the Bibb and Monroe County School Systems, attending Ballard Hudson High School (Southwest) and graduating from Hubbard High School (Monroe County) in 1966.  

Edward was baptized at an early age and was a faithful member of the Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Smarr, GA, having served as a steward, trustee, and Sunday school teacher in the church.  Edward honorably served in the United States Marine Corps, with two tours of duty in Vietnam.  Edward was twice awarded the Purple Heart Medal for service and injuries incurred in combat.  His other awards included the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.

Following his service in the Marine Corps, Edward was a longtime government civilian at the Warner Robins Air Force Base, working at the Defense Logistics Agency and the Defense Distribution Center, earning several commendations. For many years Edward was active in the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).  He was also a member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Ruth Austin; his wife, Lesa Stanley-Austin; sisters, Brenda Bentley (Marvin) and Francine Austin; and brother, Darryl Austin.

Edward is survived by his sister, Maxine Wiggins; aunts, Ms. Naomi Austin and Sara Walton; two uncles, Mr. Jessie Walton (Lorraine) and Ezell Chambliss; a devoted caregiver, Stacie Walker-Adams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends. 

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