POUND, VA.                                           JULY 26, 2024

George Fields Austin, III. (G.F.), 90, went home to be with the Lord, and reunite with the love of his life, Jeanne, peacefully in his home and surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

G.F. was born and raised in Pound, VA. He attended Christopher Gist Highschool in Pound; and later college at Emory and Henry and graduated with a degree in business. While in college, he met his sweetheart, the late Jeanne Austin. Afterwards, he was drafted to the United States military and served two years in Fort Rucker, Alabama. After his term with the Army, he and Jenne settled in his hometown of Pound.

They had two children: a son, Mitchell Austin and daughter, Medina Austin Stanley, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson. They also have owned and loved many Boston Terriers over the years that were their babies as well.

George was very active in his community. He was a member of the Wise County School Board and also served on the Pound Lions Club for several years. He and Jeanne proudly ran several businesses together in the town of Pound before retirement; Stop N Shop Grocery, Bargain City Furniture, and the P.X. Consignment Shop. G.F. and Jeanne owned Austin Hills Mobile Home Park in Pound, where several of the residents have become like family over the years. He was proudly nominated as the "Grand Marshall" in the Pound Christmas Parade in 2019.

George was one of the kindest men one could ever meet. He was the true definition of a man that would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He was loving, caring, and had a great sense of humor. Even when he was sick and at his weakest, he would always find a way to make you smile. George loved to play poker and hosted several poker games with great friends over the years. He loved to travel, but especially to Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg was always his happy place where he made many trips and fond memories with his loved ones. He visited countless times and never missed a trip to his favorite restaurant, Pancake Pantry; which has also become a tradition for the whole family. His family will never make a trip there without reminiscing of times there with him.

George is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jeanne Austin; parents, George Fields Austin II. and Nola Austin; infant brother Arthur Austin; grandparents, Nanny and George Fields Austin I., and Hugh and Cindy Countiss; son-in-law, Jimmy Stanley; great-grandson, Logan Collier; and special friend Bob Varner; and Cousins Carole Seigfried, Peggy Humphreys.

Surviving are his son, Mitch Austin and wife Eula of Norton, VA; daughter, Medina Stanley of Pound, VA; grandchildren, Sarah Lynch and husband Chris of Richmond, VA; Carissa Collier and husband Brett of Pound; Jessica Keith and husband J.R. of Pound; Nicholas Austin and wife Lauren of Nashville, TN; Rachel Austin of Norton; and Kimberly Lawson and husband Brett of Kingston, TN; great-grandchildren; Alex and wife Lanie, Lexie, Shawn, Kyla and Jaxon Collier of Pound; Braylen, Kayleigh, Emaleigh, Abbie and Maycee Keith of Pound; Oakland Cash Lawson of Kingston; Gabriel Engle of Norton; and Kyle and Ellie Lynch of Richmond; great-great-grandchild, Hudson Collier of Pound; special niece, Alissa Taylor; nephew Mark Baker; friends Jimmy Wright, Edwin Rife, Jack Bentley, Mike Potter and Lonnie Sexton; good friend and their go to, "Mr. Fix it" Billy Large; special cousins Phillis, Susie, and James; special friend and caregiver, Mary Barnette; and countless other friends, prior employees throughout the years and many more loved ones.

Funeral services for George Fields Austin, III will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 28, 2024 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA with Rev. Tommy Shell officiating. Burial will follow in the Bolling Family Cemetery in Pound, VA. Family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. till time of services at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 28, 2024 at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.