Charles Austin (5-18-21) service 5-29-21

Charles Travis Austin of Michie departed this life on Tuesday, May 18, at the age of 84 years, 1 month and 10 days.
Mr. Austin was born in McNairy County on April 8, 1937, the son of the late Charles Herbert and Birdie Jewel Lambert Austin. He grew up on his family’s farms in Shiloh and Acton, Tennessee.
Mr. Austin is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kumiko Hori Austin of Michie; a son, John Hardin Austin and wife Andrea of Atlanta, Georgia; two grandchildren, Gabriella Taylor Austin and John Chase Austin both of Atlanta; sister, Patsy Diane Jacobs and husband Roger of Corinth, Mississippi.
He attended elementary school at Shiloh School located on Shiloh National Military Park, graduated from Michie High School in 1955, and continued his education at Lambuth College and East Carolina University.
Mr. Austin volunteered for the United States Marine Corps MarCad Flight Program. However, an eye injury ended his hopes for a military flying career, and he served on active duty at Marine Barracks, Sasebo, Japan and in the Elite 2nd Marine Division Reconnaissance Battalion and Company. Later, after completing his military service, he served his country as Special Services Officer GS-13. His military and civilian duties took him to various countries and military bases throughout Southeast Asia from 1959-1971.
After returning to the United States, Mr. Austin was a small business owner/operator. In his later years, he was a state employee in the maintenance department at Pickwick Landing State Golf Course at Pickwick Dam.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 29, at Liberty Cemetery in Michie with Ralph Lambert officiating.