Thomas G. Austin Sr.

January 7, 1922 - September 1, 2022

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Friday 9/9, 2:00 pm

Visitation will follow in Orders Parlor

Thomas G. Austin, Sr., beloved husband of the late Mary Ann (Lawrence) Austin, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2022 at the distinguished age of 100.

Tom was elected President of his Senior Class at Charlotte Technical High School. At the age of 20, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 12th Armored Division, European Theater during WWII. After being honorably discharged, he returned to graduate from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Tom enjoyed a successful career in the building materials industry, moving to Greenville, SC in 1978 where he retired as Vice President of Dealers Supply & Lumber Co.

Tom was a faithful member of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church and the Roundtree Sunday School Class. An avid golfer, Tom carded two aces on Greenville Country Club’s Riverside course over his golfing career. He enjoyed traveling, great BBQ paired with cheap wine, and meeting people. He possessed an uncanny ability to find common acquaintances among total strangers in a matter of minutes. He loved Greenville and loved learning all about those he met.

Born in Charlotte, NC, he was a son of the late Fitzhugh Lee and Lillian (Benton) Austin. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years Mary Ann Lawrence Austin, in addition to his brothers Worth, F.L. Jr. and Benton.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas Graham Austin, Jr., wife Lynn, stepdaughter Jody; Telphor Lee Austin, Sr., wife Lisa; grandchildren Amanda Brittany Kiser, husband Jason; Telphor Lee Austin, Jr., wife Kate, great-grandson, Jackson Lee; Lauren Marisa Austin; and a sister, Brenda and brother, Johnny.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church followed by visitation in the Orders Parlor. A private inurnment in the church columbarium will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Tom requested memorials be made to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St. Oxford, NC 27565 or The Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolences and share a ‘Tom-ism’ or story for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Friday 9/9, 2:00 pm

Visitation will follow in Orders Parlor

Thomas G. Austin, Sr., beloved husband of the late Mary Ann (Lawrence) Austin, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2022 at the distinguished age of 100. Tom was elected President of his Senior Class at Charlotte Technical High School. At the age of 20, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 12thContinue Reading

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My memories of Tom and Charlotte are priceless. What a great guy I had the pleasure of knowing.

Graham and Lee, Tom was a special friend. He was two days younger than my dad. We first met when Tom was 92. We quickly became best friends. I loved his stories. We played golf often. The last rounds we played, I asked that we played as a twosome. That gave me more time for his stories!! We will miss Tom--our hero and FRIEND!! God Bless you all! Tom's General.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Thom. He was a very sweet man and I enjoyed our conversations at Richard's Coffee Shop. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jo and Tim Long

What a joy it was to call Tom my friend. My husband and I attended many functions at the Greenville country club with him. He obviously was a people person. He has passed on but will never be forgotten.My love and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

Graham and Lee. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. He was my mentor when I joined Dealers. We had many discussions about business and life. He and I had so much in common as far as our histories in business. I don’t know that he and I ever disagreed on what needed to be done. After he retired I looked so forward to the third Tuesday of each month to get together for lunch and catch up. We had lost touch in the last few years and I will always regret that. Your father touched so many lives. He was truly a treasure to those who knew himMary Fred and I will have your family’s in our prayers. Sorry we will be out of town for his memorial.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.