Millard was born on August 12, 1938 to Nona and Gaston (Gap) Austin in Troy, Alabama.
Mr. Austin was a 1956 graduate of Vigor High School. He went on to study at the University of Alabama where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating from Alabama, he had two careers simultaneously: He was the owner of Austin Engineering and Surveying and he worked for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he was employed for over l4 years. Upon leaving the Corps, Millard dedicated his remaining years to Austin Engineering where he not only designed countless subdivisions, but where he was also the owner/developer of most of them. Among other organizations, Millard was a member of The American Society of Civil Engineers as well as the American Society of Professional Land Surveyors. He held his P.E. in engineering.
In Millard’s early years with the Corps, he and Sue lived in Camden, Alabama where he was instrumental in the design and development of what is now known as Miller’s Ferry Lock and Dam. At this time in their lives, Millard and Sue were avid square dancers.
Throughout his life, Millard spent his time doing what he loved most, hunting and fishing. Millard was not only a mentor to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren but he was also an “adopted father and grandfather” to so many youngsters that it would take too much paper to name them all! Millard’s ride or die hunting and fishing buddy, Ryan Turner, is quoted as saying that you could stand by Mr. Millard fishing and he would catch 20 fish to your 1. “Millard stories” are proof positive of how he lived his life, his way, to the fullest!
Millard and Sue grew up together, meeting when they were just 12 and 10 years old respectively. They were happily married for over 60 years. Millard always said, “she’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen” when speaking of Sue. They had three wonderful children.
Millard was preceded in death by his parents, Nona and Gaston Austin; his three sisters, Evelyn Taylor, Sarah Rentz and Helen White; and his precious son, Millard Ray Austin, Jr.
Millard is survived by his wife, Mamie Sue Vaughn Austin; son, James (Debra) Austin, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; daughter, Julie Austin, Saraland, AL; two granddaughters, Monica Atkins and Jessica Haley Austin, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; great-grandson, Ethan Atkins and great-granddaughter, Bailey Atkins.
Pallbearers, Frank Turner, Ryan Turner, Scott Evans, Wayne Gray, Ted Jones and Burke Armistead. Honorary Pallbearer, brother-in-law and fishing buddy, Paul Jones of Oak Grove, Louisiana.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Solid Rock Church, 11400 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile, Alabama, and funeral services with be immediately following at the church.
Burial will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
