Fred Lewis Austin

Fred Lewis Austin, age 89, entered into eternal life on March 7,2023. Fred was born on October 22, 1933, in Floyd County, Virginia. He was a graduate of Check High School, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Emory and Henry College. Fred was an ordained United Methodist minister and served in Holston Conference United Methodist churches in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee for 38 1/2 years. He retired from serving as District Superintendent of the Wytheville District in June, 1996. After retirement he filled in for United Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Baptist churches when needed. He was proud to serve as pastor of Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke for four years. Fred was married to Vivian Light on March 7 , 1953. To their marriage of 70 years God added two sons, Roy Stephen and wife Gail, and Timothy Lewis and wife Pamela. He was blessed with four grandchildren; Heather Teta (Brian) of Rockville Centre, NY, Brad Austin (Lauren) of Charlotte, NC, Kate Stauffer (Kyle) of Grottoes, and Adam Austin of Harrisonburg, as well as nine great grandchildren. A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with Reverend Doctor Brian Burch, Reverend Clarence Dishman, Reverend Steve Darr, and Pastor Tracy Allen officiating. Visitation will be from l1:00-1:00 with funeral and graveside services to follow. Interment will be at Birchlawn Burial Park. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Fred's memory.