Born in Marshville, N.C. on May 14, 1941, he was the son of William Heath Austin, Sr. and Mary Harrell Austin. After graduating from Benton Heights High School in Monroe, Bill started his career at the first McDonald’s in Charlotte, located on Independence Boulevard as a manager trainee. Bill’s career with McDonald’s spanned more than 57 years, and he was still actively working when he passed. Bill worked his way up from an assistant manager to an owner/operator. He was employed by Triton Management McDonald’s/Mike Haley, for 33 years where he became Senior Vice President of Operations. In September 1993, he was able to fulfill his dream of being an owner/operator, and maintained that privilege for 24 years. During his career, he won many outstanding store awards and was proud to have employees chosen to work the Olympics.
Bill’s five wonderful granddaughters brought him much joy and entertainment; it was an adventure every day. He loved his family and was proud of all their accomplishments. He also enjoyed working in his train room, building landscapes and running train tracks for his large scale model trains. And he truly loved going to work. He loved God, family, McDonald’s and his model trains.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Tarlton Austin; a daughter, Melissa Smith and husband Doug of Lillington, N.C.; a son, William Todd Austin and wife Tammy of Monroe; five granddaughters, Emily, Jessica and Ashley Smith, and Jamie and Jordan Austin; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William; mother, Mary; and sisters, Peggy Crook and Maxine Funderburk.
Our family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the three Angels that God sent to us: Dr. David Scott Smith, Susan Crane RN, and Sheryl, the neighbor down the street that just happened to be a nurse. May they receive all the many blessings they have so generously given to others. Also, our sincere thanks to Shana Johnson and all the other Hospice individuals.
A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Sunday, October 29th at 2 PM at Harry & Bryant's Chapel in the Oaks, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in his honor to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
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