Carl (Art) Arthur Austin Jr.

Carl Arthur (Art) Austin, Jr passed away October 25, 2017 to his heavenly home due to complications from Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Art was a member of the Harriman United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher to a preteen boys group many years ago. He was a graduate of Harriman High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Art proudly served in Europe with the U.S. Army. At an early age, he achieved Eagle Scout certification. Art was a well-known and highly respected Roane County businessman. He owned and operated Austin’s IGA Foodliner in Harriman and later Cheers of Kingston Wine and Spirits. In 1998, Art was chosen Business/Businessman of the year by the Roane County Chamber of Commerce. He also served as Harriman Utility Board Chair and was a member of the Hooray for Harriman board. All that knew Art would agree that he had a “big personality” that brought unexpected fun and joy into their lives. He was an inspiration and mentor to many. With family and friends, Art enjoyed boating, water and snow skiing, motorcycles, the UT Vols, and vintage cars. He had a passion for music from an early age playing the piano and later the organ in the boy band The Casuals. He cherished class reunions and the opportunities to dance! Art was also a passionate animal lover, especially, the dogs he raised and loved through the years, most recently little Dolly. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Alva Austin and father-in-law, Paul Hudson. Art is survived by his wife and love of 44 years, Kay Hudson Austin; loving and faithful stepson Troy Rice and wife Diane, and granddaughters Hannah, Meredith, and Maggie; daughter Valeigh Osborne, husband John and grandson Wes. Survivors include: brother, Thomas A. Austin; brothers-in-law Sid Hudson, wife Cynthia and Don Hudson, wife Janet, mother-in-law Betty Hudson; devoted nephew Justin Hudson and niece Heather Nealon, husband Dan and son Hudson; Godson Glenn Vicary; nephew Richard Hudson and family; nephews Kaine Austin and Hartman Austin and nieces Ashley Parsons and Abby Austin. Art had a huge circle of friends and a special group that were steadfastly by his side during his challenging dementia journey: Allen Williams; Jerry Lou and Gene Eblen and Tim Pollitt; caring and dedicated family caregivers Sid, Don, and Tommy including the tremendous love and support of my sister-in-law Cynthia. Thank You to Summit View of Farragut and HomeWatch Caregivers. At the end of my life when I ask one final “What have I done?” let my answer be: I have done love! A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday November 11, 2017 at 2:00pm at the Harriman United Methodist Church with Pastor Darren Kitts and Pastor Steve Parker officiating. Please join the family for a reception after the Celebration in the church fellowship hall refreshments provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc for FTD Awareness, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the family.

Carl (Art) Arthur Austin Jr.

August 27, 1946 - October 25, 2017