Columbia, SC - William Frederick “Bill” Austin, Sr., 86, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 8, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born February 12, 1930 in Greenwood SC, the son of late Emory P. and Thelma Jones Austin. His beloved wife, Nancy Dabney (Becky) Austin, predeceased him, as did his brothers: James Harold Austin and Emory P. Austin, Jr.
He attended Greenwood High School. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from Erskine College in 1953 and the University of South Carolina, School of Law in 1955. He was admitted to practice in the courts of the State of South Carolina, the U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, U. S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit and U. S. Tax Court; and the U. S. Supreme Court. He served as an Assistant Attorney General of South Carolina; as the Chief Insurance Commissioner of South Carolina; and General Counsel, South Carolina Public Service Commission, 1968-1972. He was Past-President of Guaranty Insurance Company. He left public office to go into private practice later forming his own law firm, most recently known as Austin & Rogers, P.A. He was a member of the Richland County Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Association. He was an active member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, serving terms on the Church Council and as President of the Congregation and Council three times. He also chaired several committees which planned for the future and growth of the church, call committees for the call of new pastors, and the study to replace the organ; he also served as the church’s attorney until his death. He also served as Chair of the Board of the Heritage at Lowman, and was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from Newberry College. Throughout his life and his work, he exhibited a generosity and compassion toward others which was frequently anonymous or known to only a few. He unselfishly gave of his time and his talents to family, friends, and others with whom he worked and associated, and provided pro bono legal services on many occasions. Even new acquaintances were beneficiaries of his oft-heard question, “How can I help you?” He had a deep empathy for those less fortunate than he and, in additional to legal services, provided monetary and material support on many occasions. He represented both individuals and corporations and was an expert in public utilities law, counting SCE&G and Bellsouth among his clients. Highly intellectual and an avid reader, Bill was a member of MENSA and enjoyed discussions with family and friends on a wide-range of topics including law, life, religion, politics, philosophy, and sports. He always kept up with the newest information and trends in the world and locally and was a fountain of knowledge on a variety of topics. One of his children once acknowledged that it was easier to ask Dad for information than to Google it. He loved and appreciated classical music, supporting the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra and other organizations of music and art. He was instrumental in establishing Patrons and Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer, Inc., which has offered varied musical and music education programs to the Columbia area at no charge for 30 years. Among his hobbies and passions were the game of golf and growing orchids and other plants in the greenhouse he and Becky added to their home. He was a scratch golfer who played regularly until the end of his life, and enjoyed the opportunity to play at St. Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Surviving are his five children: William F. Austin, Jr. (Annette) of Pawley's Island, Dana Austin Berg of St. Petersburg, FL; Andrew Gregory Austin of Tampa, FL; A. Christopher Austin (Lisa) and Eric Theodore Austin (Susan), both of Columbia; his cherished grandchildren: Bill III, Curry, Emmy, Hannah, Christopher II, Robin, Drew, Stephen, Erin and Eric Jr.; his brother: Patrick Austin (Carol) of Pawley’s Island; and sister-in-law: Vivian M. Austin of Columbia.
A service of worship and thanksgiving for his life will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 2 PM at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC. The family will receive visitors on Monday, September 12, 2016, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel; www.dunbarfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
He attended Greenwood High School. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from Erskine College in 1953 and the University of South Carolina, School of Law in 1955. He was admitted to practice in the courts of the State of South Carolina, the U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, U. S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit and U. S. Tax Court; and the U. S. Supreme Court. He served as an Assistant Attorney General of South Carolina; as the Chief Insurance Commissioner of South Carolina; and General Counsel, South Carolina Public Service Commission, 1968-1972. He was Past-President of Guaranty Insurance Company. He left public office to go into private practice later forming his own law firm, most recently known as Austin & Rogers, P.A. He was a member of the Richland County Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Association. He was an active member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, serving terms on the Church Council and as President of the Congregation and Council three times. He also chaired several committees which planned for the future and growth of the church, call committees for the call of new pastors, and the study to replace the organ; he also served as the church’s attorney until his death. He also served as Chair of the Board of the Heritage at Lowman, and was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from Newberry College. Throughout his life and his work, he exhibited a generosity and compassion toward others which was frequently anonymous or known to only a few. He unselfishly gave of his time and his talents to family, friends, and others with whom he worked and associated, and provided pro bono legal services on many occasions. Even new acquaintances were beneficiaries of his oft-heard question, “How can I help you?” He had a deep empathy for those less fortunate than he and, in additional to legal services, provided monetary and material support on many occasions. He represented both individuals and corporations and was an expert in public utilities law, counting SCE&G and Bellsouth among his clients. Highly intellectual and an avid reader, Bill was a member of MENSA and enjoyed discussions with family and friends on a wide-range of topics including law, life, religion, politics, philosophy, and sports. He always kept up with the newest information and trends in the world and locally and was a fountain of knowledge on a variety of topics. One of his children once acknowledged that it was easier to ask Dad for information than to Google it. He loved and appreciated classical music, supporting the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra and other organizations of music and art. He was instrumental in establishing Patrons and Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer, Inc., which has offered varied musical and music education programs to the Columbia area at no charge for 30 years. Among his hobbies and passions were the game of golf and growing orchids and other plants in the greenhouse he and Becky added to their home. He was a scratch golfer who played regularly until the end of his life, and enjoyed the opportunity to play at St. Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Surviving are his five children: William F. Austin, Jr. (Annette) of Pawley's Island, Dana Austin Berg of St. Petersburg, FL; Andrew Gregory Austin of Tampa, FL; A. Christopher Austin (Lisa) and Eric Theodore Austin (Susan), both of Columbia; his cherished grandchildren: Bill III, Curry, Emmy, Hannah, Christopher II, Robin, Drew, Stephen, Erin and Eric Jr.; his brother: Patrick Austin (Carol) of Pawley’s Island; and sister-in-law: Vivian M. Austin of Columbia.
A service of worship and thanksgiving for his life will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 2 PM at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC. The family will receive visitors on Monday, September 12, 2016, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel; www.dunbarfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Columbia, SC - William Frederick “Bill” Austin, Sr., 86, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 8, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born February 12, 1930 in Greenwood SC, the son of late Emory P. and Thelma Jones Austin. His beloved wife, Nancy Dabney (Becky) Austin, predeceased him, as did his brothers: James Harold Austin and Emory P. Austin, Jr.
He attended Greenwood High School. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from Erskine College in 1953 and the University of South Carolina, School of Law in 1955. He was admitted to practice in the courts of the State of South Carolina, the U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, U. S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit and U. S. Tax Court; and the U. S. Supreme Court. He served as an Assistant Attorney General of South Carolina; as the Chief Insurance Commissioner of South Carolina; and General Counsel, South Carolina Public Service Commission, 1968-1972. He was Past-President of Guaranty Insurance Company. He left public office to go into private practice later forming his own law firm, most recently known as Austin & Rogers, P.A. He was a member of the Richland County Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Association. He was an active member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, serving terms on the Church Council and as President of the Congregation and Council three times. He also chaired several committees which planned for the future and growth of the church, call committees for the call of new pastors, and the study to replace the organ; he also served as the church’s attorney until his death. He also served as Chair of the Board of the Heritage at Lowman, and was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from Newberry College. Throughout his life and his work, he exhibited a generosity and compassion toward others which was frequently anonymous or known to only a few. He unselfishly gave of his time and his talents to family, friends, and others with whom he worked and associated, and provided pro bono legal services on many occasions. Even new acquaintances were beneficiaries of his oft-heard question, “How can I help you?” He had a deep empathy for those less fortunate than he and, in additional to legal services, provided monetary and material support on many occasions. He represented both individuals and corporations and was an expert in public utilities law, counting SCE&G and Bellsouth among his clients. Highly intellectual and an avid reader, Bill was a member of MENSA and enjoyed discussions with family and friends on a wide-range of topics including law, life, religion, politics, philosophy, and sports. He always kept up with the newest information and trends in the world and locally and was a fountain of knowledge on a variety of topics. One of his children once acknowledged that it was easier to ask Dad for information than to Google it. He loved and appreciated classical music, supporting the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra and other organizations of music and art. He was instrumental in establishing Patrons and Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer, Inc., which has offered varied musical and music education programs to the Columbia area at no charge for 30 years. Among his hobbies and passions were the game of golf and growing orchids and other plants in the greenhouse he and Becky added to their home. He was a scratch golfer who played regularly until the end of his life, and enjoyed the opportunity to play at St. Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Surviving are his five children: William F. Austin, Jr. (Annette) of Pawley's Island, Dana Austin Berg of St. Petersburg, FL; Andrew Gregory Austin of Tampa, FL; A. Christopher Austin (Lisa) and Eric Theodore Austin (Susan), both of Columbia; his cherished grandchildren: Bill III, Curry, Emmy, Hannah, Christopher II, Robin, Drew, Stephen, Erin and Eric Jr.; his brother: Patrick Austin (Carol) of Pawley’s Island; and sister-in-law: Vivian M. Austin of Columbia.
A service of worship and thanksgiving for his life will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 2 PM at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC. The family will receive visitors on Monday, September 12, 2016, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel; www.dunbarfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
He attended Greenwood High School. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from Erskine College in 1953 and the University of South Carolina, School of Law in 1955. He was admitted to practice in the courts of the State of South Carolina, the U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, U. S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit and U. S. Tax Court; and the U. S. Supreme Court. He served as an Assistant Attorney General of South Carolina; as the Chief Insurance Commissioner of South Carolina; and General Counsel, South Carolina Public Service Commission, 1968-1972. He was Past-President of Guaranty Insurance Company. He left public office to go into private practice later forming his own law firm, most recently known as Austin & Rogers, P.A. He was a member of the Richland County Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Association. He was an active member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, serving terms on the Church Council and as President of the Congregation and Council three times. He also chaired several committees which planned for the future and growth of the church, call committees for the call of new pastors, and the study to replace the organ; he also served as the church’s attorney until his death. He also served as Chair of the Board of the Heritage at Lowman, and was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from Newberry College. Throughout his life and his work, he exhibited a generosity and compassion toward others which was frequently anonymous or known to only a few. He unselfishly gave of his time and his talents to family, friends, and others with whom he worked and associated, and provided pro bono legal services on many occasions. Even new acquaintances were beneficiaries of his oft-heard question, “How can I help you?” He had a deep empathy for those less fortunate than he and, in additional to legal services, provided monetary and material support on many occasions. He represented both individuals and corporations and was an expert in public utilities law, counting SCE&G and Bellsouth among his clients. Highly intellectual and an avid reader, Bill was a member of MENSA and enjoyed discussions with family and friends on a wide-range of topics including law, life, religion, politics, philosophy, and sports. He always kept up with the newest information and trends in the world and locally and was a fountain of knowledge on a variety of topics. One of his children once acknowledged that it was easier to ask Dad for information than to Google it. He loved and appreciated classical music, supporting the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra and other organizations of music and art. He was instrumental in establishing Patrons and Friends of the Arts at Ebenezer, Inc., which has offered varied musical and music education programs to the Columbia area at no charge for 30 years. Among his hobbies and passions were the game of golf and growing orchids and other plants in the greenhouse he and Becky added to their home. He was a scratch golfer who played regularly until the end of his life, and enjoyed the opportunity to play at St. Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Surviving are his five children: William F. Austin, Jr. (Annette) of Pawley's Island, Dana Austin Berg of St. Petersburg, FL; Andrew Gregory Austin of Tampa, FL; A. Christopher Austin (Lisa) and Eric Theodore Austin (Susan), both of Columbia; his cherished grandchildren: Bill III, Curry, Emmy, Hannah, Christopher II, Robin, Drew, Stephen, Erin and Eric Jr.; his brother: Patrick Austin (Carol) of Pawley’s Island; and sister-in-law: Vivian M. Austin of Columbia.
A service of worship and thanksgiving for his life will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 2 PM at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC. The family will receive visitors on Monday, September 12, 2016, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel; www.dunbarfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
