Henry Michael Austin

Henry Michael "Mike" Austin, age 69, passed away peacefully in Marietta, South Carolina on June 8, 2026. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on September 6, 1956, Mike spent nearly his entire life in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he formed lifelong friendships. Mike briefly served in the United States Army. His lifelong career was in automobile restoration, paint, and body work, bringing a sharp eye for precision and detail to his trade. Mike had a passion for cooking and found true joy in the kitchen. He was a master of Southern comfort food, having completely perfected the art of making scratch-made cathead biscuits and his signature homemade tomato gravy. Sharing those heartfelt meals was his way of showing love to those around him. When relaxing, he loved nothing more than watching wrestling and old country western movies and TV shows. Above all, Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, and a loyal friend. His warmth, his proud Mississippi roots, and the comfort of his cooking will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Mike was preceded in death by many important people in his life who he loved dearly: his parents, Henry Minton "Pete" Austin and Eleanor "Jewel" Austin; his sisters, Janet "Lynn" Austin Vance and Sandra "Sandy" Austin Roberts; his grandparents, Horace Edward Ladner, Sr. and Bessie Bell Johnson Ladner; his uncle, Horace Edward "Sonny" Ladner, Jr.; and his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Anita Allene Reese; and his sister-in-law, Donna Marie Yatto. He is also reunited with his loyal dog, Smoke, whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his loving children: daughter Shannon Austin Lawson and her husband Jason "Todd" Lawson; daughter Heather Austin Russell and her husband Adam; and son Michael Dwayne Austin. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his cherished grandchildren, Aleigha Hailey Watson, Devin Matthew Watson, Aubrey Faye Austin, Taswell Beau Austin, and Magnolia Michelle Austin; and his precious great grandchildren, Karalyne Manley and Ivy Rose Watson. He is also survived by his beloved brother-in-laws, Tommy Vance and Johnny "Frankie" Roberts; his nephews, Brent and Greg Vance, and Mark and Shawn Roberts; his dear cousins, Eddie Sanderson, Victor Ladner and his wife Donna, and Ashley Ladner; as well as his cherished great-nieces, great-nephews, and a close community of extended family and friends. Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." "Lovingly submitted by family"

Henry Michael Austin

September 6, 1956 - June 8, 2026