Elder Walter Lewis Austin, Sr.

Elder Walter Lewis Austin, Sr., 74, was born to the union of the late Deacon Alonza Austin, Jr. and Sister Sylvia Mae Moore in 1948.  He was the oldest of eight children.  He attended the Bibb County Public School system and graduated from Ballard Hudson in 1967.  He was the owner and operator of Austin Masonry and Construction for over 20 years until his health started to fail.  He loved laying bricks and making sure anything his name was on was done to perfection.

In 1968, he married Delores Howard and to this union five children were born.  They were married 51 years until death did them part in 2020.  In October 1973, he answered God’s call and came running, joining Union Bibb Primitive Baptist Church.  Soon after the Lord called him to preach the gospel.  Elder Austin served faithfully until his death for 49 years pastoring: Westwood P.B., Mt Temah P.B., Galilee P.B. , Mt Calvary P.B-Andersonville, Glorious Hope P.B., Spring Hill P.B. and New Phillip P.B. where he served for 43 years.  He served as the Moderator of the Antioch Association of Primitive Baptist and also was one of the founding Elders of the Flint River Primitive Baptist Association in 1996, where he has served as the moderator for 28 years.  As one of the last acts of Elder Austin’s work, he took part in the Reconciliation Address of 2021 as an overseeing Moderator.  Over the years Elder Austin was known as a big part of the Primitive Baptist community/family and his role played a big part in the final works.

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the Lord said my good and faithful servant, WELL DONE and Brother Moderator answered the call.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonza and Sylvia Mae; four siblings, Donald, Elder Terry, Valerie and Todd; a son, Walter B. Jr. and his loving wife, Delores Howard Austin.

He leaves to cherish his memory, four children, Deacon Anthony (Cherrice) Austin, Dr. Joseph Austin and Elder Timothy (Tina) Austin; his baby girl, April Austin/ four grandchildren, Ashley Blount, Jessica Austin, Braeden Austin and Roxanne Austin; three siblings, Reverend Richard (Ruby) Austin, Elder Alonza A(Marian) Austin III; his baby sister, Avis Austin; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family.  He also leaves behind the Primitive Baptist family whom he loved so dearly.  Rest on Brother Moderator, we love you, but God loves you best.

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