Jere C. Austin

Jere C. Austin, 88, of Salisbury, NC died at the Lutheran Home on September 16, 2009 after a six month illness. Mr. Austin was born in Patchogue, Long Island, NY on December 12, 1920 to the late Herbert and Mabel Hegemen Austin. He was educated in the Patchogue, NY school and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler, NY in 1940. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He joined the U.S. Navy where he served during WWII from October 1941 to November 1945. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Captain after 20 years. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ where he attended the Motley Crew Dialog group. Jere was a kind, gentle person who was highly thought of and loved. He had a brilliant mind. His favorite pastime was reading and writing poetry where he won many gold medals at the Senior Silver Arts for his writing. Jere was a member of the Salisbury Civitan Club where he served as Editor of their “Comments” newsletter for 8 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Harriet Smith Austin in 1986. Also preceding him in death were his brothers Herbert and Ted Austin, and recently his sister, Nancy Austin Kana. Jere is survived by his loving wife, Mary, whom he married on October 10, 1970, and who was at his side at the time of his death. Other survivors include his daughter, Faith Austin Tierney and spouse Harold of Patchogue, Long Island, NY, his son Jere II and spouse Danni of Novelty, Ohio; his brother in law, Milan Kana of Easton, MD; brother in law, Anthony and wife Alice of Cannelton, IN; sister in law, Lucy Sachak and husband Bill of Eastport, NY; Daisy Austin of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Scott and David Tierney, Jere Austin III, Mary Jane Austin Hill, and by nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by a loving supporting extended family in Salisbury, NC, niece Pat and Tom Moore, their seven children and 14 great grandchildren. The family will see friends from 11:30 till time for the Memorial Service which will be held at 12:00 Noon at First United Church of Christ with Rev. Michael W. Childress, officiating. Burial will follow at the US National Cemetery in Salisbury with Military Honors. Mrs. Austin extends her heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bill Thompson, Bill Johnson, Administrator and the nurses and staff at the Lutheran Home who gave of their love and excellent care to make his final days comfortable. Memorials may be made to First United Church of Christ 207 W. Horah Street Salisbury, NC 28144. On line condolences can be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Jere C. Austin

December 12, 1920 - September 16, 2009