William Walker Austin

William Walker “Bill” Austin, age 83, of Houston, Texas, passed away at his home on Sunday, the 20th of February 2011. Son of the late William Wray Austin and Bama Geneva (nee Dekle) Austin, he was born on the 28th of June 1927, in Waycross, Georgia.

Bill received his BS degree in Political Science from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, after serving in the U.S Navy from 1944 to 1946.

At the time of his death, Bill was President of Parkcrest Builders, an apartment general contracting company. Over the years Bill also had started his own company, Builders Interests, Inc., as well as serving as President of Jetero Construction Company, a corporation that he took public. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of several local banks.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He was the starting first baseman for the Atlanta Crackers, a semi-professional baseball team during the 1940’s. Bill also enjoyed hunting with his wife, sons and grandsons in South Texas, as well as making many trips to Alaska and Africa to hunt exotic wildlife. Having been a US Navy navigator during WWII, flying was one of his passions. He was an accomplished aviator - from single-engined prop to corporate jet. He was an amateur wine connoisseur who also enjoyed preparing lavish meals in his gourmet kitchen. Bill was a regular contributor, major participant, and an Honorary Lifetime Director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In addition, he was a major donor and former Vice President of the Houston Farm and Ranch Club.

His professional and philanthropic accomplishments aside, Bill was an outstanding human being and a great friend to all. His generosity and sincerity to all walks of life never went unnoticed, but his desire to keep his private life and accomplishments to himself is what made him such a humble and honorable southern gentleman.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Antoinette Marie Austin; his daughter, Gail Austin Burgess and significant other, Daniel M. Tass; his sons, Gregory William Austin and his wife Karen, Jay Howard Stewart and his wife Lindsay, and Michael David Stewart and his wife Maritza, all of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Nelrae Joan Little, Mary Moore Schwab and husband Steve, of Decatur, GA, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Allen Austin.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 28th of February, at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Rick Myers is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Bill’s honor may be directed to the Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel Dr., Houston, TX, 77027.