Mr. Jack Auborn Austin, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 2, 2026, at his residence at The Barclay at Little River. Born September 27, 1936, in Marshville, NC, he was the son of the late Lester Fulton Austin and Ada Burgess Austin.

Jack graduated from New Salem High School where he was an avid baseball player. After high school, he married Betty Sue Helms and lived in Monroe, NC. He enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany where he was an Ammo Truck Driver. He named his truck Sue. He also played left field on the Army baseball team.

After his service, Jack worked several jobs, including sales in insurance and printing products, vacuum cleaners and Amway. He also worked in sales at Edwards Lumber Company for twelve years before stepping out on his own to establish Austin Flooring Company. He enjoyed installing hardwood flooring and establishing relationships with builders and homeowners.

As a father, Jack became involved in coaching sports and led his little league teams and basketball teams to winning seasons and championship victories. His players and parents respected him deeply, referring to him always as Mt. Jack. He was also an avid bowler, winning many trophies along with his wife in mixed league bowling. He enjoyed fishing and hosting fish-fries for church groups and family get-togethers.

He loved his Lord and wore many hats within the church. He was a Sunday School teacher and served for many years as the Sunday School Director. He led the Royal Ambassadors, served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Deacons. He served on various Pastor Search Committees, Building Committees, and was instrumental in the construction of the sanctuary of the former Lee Park Baptist Church building located on Highway 74 in Monroe.

Jack loved music and thoroughly enjoyed playing his dobro with his friends at Austin Grove Baptist Church. He coordinated holiday concerts at a local lodge, joining the family musicians, and even played once in the band, 3-Point Hitch, with his son, Andy & grandson, Robbie at Hinson’s Drive-in, Indian Trail. When he was at his home, you could often hear him playing his harmonicas.

It took a while, but Jack came to love his place at The Barclay at Little River and knew that he was where he was supposed to be. He had a personality that made him among the favorites with Staff and Providers, who cared for him with compassion through his final days.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Jack will be at 2 PM Monday, November 9, 2026, at Austin Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 in the church fellowship building. Memorials in his name may be made to Austin Grove Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Andy Austin (Alison) of Southport, NC and Robin Austin (Melanie) of Rocky Mount, NC; daughters Suzy Palmer (Robert) of Little River, SC and Melissa Magill (Harold) of Loris, SC; grandchildren: Robbie Austin (Vanessa), Sarah Brookins (Chris), Emily Rivers, Michael Ross (Heidi), Mason Ross, Zachary Austin, Lacey Austin, Christian Palmer, Corey Palmer, and Autumn Palmer; great-grandchildren: Ally Brookins, Liam Brookins, Charlie Brookins, Liliana Austin, Elijah Sepulveda, Izabella Palmer, Theodore Ross, Wyatt Hancock-Russell and Winnie Hancock-Russell.

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Austin.