Austin E. Simpson

Austin E. Simpson, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep May 29 at his home in Dunwoody, Ga. Funeral services will be held June 2 at 2 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville with his nephew Sammy Wallace presiding. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Austin was born in Franklin County Dec. 9, 1927, to J.H. Simpson and Shellie Thorn Simpson. Austin was a WWII veteran, serving in the United States Navy in the Pacific. After his discharge, Austin lived in cities across the U.S. before settling  in Chicago, where he was a Plant Inspector at General Motors in Willow Springs, Ill., until his retirement.

Upon retirement, he lived in Littleville, where he resided until 2006. In his retirement he enjoyed baseball,  his cars, repairing and tinkering in his garage, yard and home. He also enjoyed visiting  with his neighbors, family and friends. The highlight of his retirement was spending time with his grandchildren, who were the joy of his heart. Austin was also a geography buff, a fan of classical music  and old movies. He was lighthearted with a fun sense of humor. He loved to laugh, and he never met a stranger. Most recently he lived at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Home in Dunwoody, where he enjoyed spending time with his friends and caregivers, sitting  outdoors, dancing  and participating in the daily activities.

Austin is preceded in death by his parents, J.H. Simpson Senior and Shellie Thorn Simpson, as well as his beloved sisters Elsie M. Pennington and Faye W. Marston. Austin  is survived by his brother, J.H. Simpson Jr.; children, Cynthia Paxton, Austin G. Simpson and Judie Reynolds; his grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and the rest of his family and friends.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the nurses, staff, caregivers and residents of Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Home for their friendship and loving care of Austin during the last 16 months of his life.