James Titus Austin, a beloved husband, dad, granddaddy, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, in Waynesboro, at the age of 89. Born on May 26, 1935, in Bemis, Tennessee, to the late Rev. James Herbert Austin and Lois Violet Patrick Austin, Titus lived a life marked by commitment to his family, his faith, his church family, and his community.

Titus was a proud veteran of the US Air Force and served his country with honor. After his military service, he embarked on a long and successful career at the DANA Corporation, where he was known as James to his colleagues. As an assistant manager of the shipping department, he demonstrated a steadfast work ethic and commitment to excellence over 38 years until his retirement in July of 2000.

In his personal life, Titus was a beacon of love and faith. He was a godly man who worshiped at The Sanctuary First United Pentecostal Church, where he not only served as board chairman but also served as worship leader, taught Sunday school, and was Sunday School Superintendent.

Titus’s love for his country was evident in his enthusiasm for participating in the Veterans Day parade, a deeply cherished tradition. He was a man who loved to walk and walk fast, often using this time as an opportunity to meet and talk with people in his community. His approachable demeanor and genuine interest in others allowed him to treat everyone he met with equal respect and kindness.

Titus was blessed with a loving family, including his beloved spouse of 64 years, Pat Austin, and their three children: Victor (Suzi) Austin of San Diego, California; Keith (Jen) Austin of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Mitzi Ayers of Hohenwald. He was a guiding light in the lives of his 13 grandchildren John, Ryan (Rachel), Adrianne, Justin, Tyler, Steven, Angelo, Sophia, Brenden, Emma, Collin, Austin and Andrew, and 6 great-grandchildren Sam, Ruby, Hazel, Blake, Jackson and Savannah, along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of kindness and love.

He is also survived by his brother, Joel Austin, sister, Sue (Kenneth) Hughey, and sister-in-law Ruth Ann Austin, who, along with the rest of the family, will fondly remember Titus for his warmth, generosity, and joy he brought to their lives. He is preceded in death along with his parents by son-in-law Michael Ayers, brother William Austin, sister-in-law Melba Austin, sister Mary Elizabeth Mosley, and brother-in-law Hubert Mosley.

Visitation with the family was held on Friday, July 26 in the chapel of McDonald Funeral Home.

A visitation with the family was held on Saturday, July 27 at The Sanctuary First United Pentecostal Church. Funeral Services immediately followed.

Military honors were presented by the United States Air Force and burial followed in the Lewis County Memorial Gardens.