Charles Austin

Sr.Charles Edwin Austin Sr. died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at home after a long illness.He was born June 27, 1934 on Sand Mountain to the late Ned and Novella Austin. He served his country in the United States Army, was an avid horticulturalist, gardener, and enjoyed being involved in theater. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Mary Alexander.He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Frances Austin; children, Stephen Austin and his wife, Stephanie; Beth Austin, all of Chattanooga; Charles Austin Jr. and his wife, Allison, of Sumter, S.C.; brother Gene Austin and his wife, Judy; sister, Jane and her husband, Joe Darden; brother-in-law, Ted Alexander; three grandchildren, Benjamin, Jonathan and Abigail Austin; and stepson, Max Gerskin and his wife, Ashley.Visitation will be held at the East Brainerd Chapel from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012. There will be no service.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimers Association or Hospice of Chattanooga.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.