May 18, 2021, 83, Dudley –

Joseph Eugene “Joe” Austin, Sr., 83, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Johnston County on June 15, 1937, he was the son of the late Allison Worth Austin and Lettie Faye Parrish Austin Brannon. He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph E. “Joe” Austin, Jr.

Joe is survived by his wife, Willa G. Austin; daughters, Kim Davis and Maria Price; son, James Austin and wife, Mi; daughter-in-law, Pat Prentice-Austin; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of dedicated service, having earned the rank of Master Sergeant. Following Joe’s retirement from the Air Force, he worked with AP Parts. Joe was an avid Gold Wing Motorcycle enthusiast, having owned 14 Gold Wing’s over the years. He had been a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association since 1987. Joe logged over 600,000 miles while traveling 49 states and Canada. He was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and was faithful in escorting fallen heroes to their final resting place as long as he was able. Joe was also a member of the American Legion Post 11 and VFW Post 9959.

Joe’s family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Andy Stovall officiating. Interment with full military honors will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to N.C. Patriot Guard, 8 Lakewood Court, Whispering Pines, NC 28327 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Online condolences may be sent to www.seymourfuneralhome.com.