GREENVILLE, Mississippi - Eddie Eugene “Gene” Austin Sr., entered his eternal rest on Saturday, December 6, 2025. He was born on May 25, 1932, to the late Hattie Jackson and Isaac Austin, and was the eldest of their children. Gene grew up in a large and loving family alongside his siblings: Willie Mae Webster, Isaac Austin Jr., Harry Lee (Bo) Austin, James (Jimmy) Austin, Baby 6, Baby 7, Hattie Mae Austin, Roosevelt Austin, Joe Louis Austin, Johnnie Mae Austin, Bennie Austin, and Sadie Lee Garner.
Mr. Austin lived in several Greenville neighborhoods—Clay Street, Boyd Street, Gibbons Street, St. Charles Street, and Elm Street—before settling in Leland. He married the former Bertha Lee Perrymon, and together they welcomed seven children. He witnessed their births at home with the help of midwives and proudly watched them grow into adulthood, contributing to their communities. To his children, he was simply called Daddy. There were other children (Valeria Jones, Reginald Kingdom, Carla Charles (deceased), Melton Ford, and others) born to Gene Austin.
Truly he would say “All my life You have been faithful; All my life You have been so, so good; With every breath that I am able; Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.” The Lord blessed Gene Austin with a “full” life…. of 93 years, 6 months and a few days. Raised on Jack Farmer’s Plantation between Leland and Greenville, Gene grew up in a home rooted in faith and tradition. Life was not easy. He began working at a young age to help support his siblings after the passing of their parents during his teenage years. To his family, he was affectionately known as “Buddy.”
He discovered his passion for painting and eventually founded Gene Austin’s Painting Company, employing his sons, grandsons, nephews, and community members. “What an experience!” All employees have so many “on the job” stories! One of his cherished painting jobs is The River Road Queen Welcome Center in Greenville (Highway 82 West @ Reed Road). On the job, he was respectfully known as “Mr. Austin.”
Throughout Greenville and surrounding communities, Gene became a familiar and respected figure. He provided employment opportunities, supported churches, and quietly gave to those in need. He grew collard, mustard, and turnip greens, inviting neighbors to harvest freely with only a “Thank-you” in return. Though generous, he was also known for his directness and willingness to confront injustices. In his community, he was fondly called “Gene” or “Mr. Gene.”
There was a turning point later in his life (prior to becoming ill). He spoke more frequently about the grace of God. He would often sing spirituals, “Dr. Watts”, and hymns. He would pray and ask for prayer. He enjoyed going to church and was not excited about missing church services. There were times he would just start singing, waving his hands, and testifying about the goodness of God! He would say, “I just don’t know why the Good Lord would allow me to live to this age……. I am so thankful! As I look back over my life on all the bad things I did, and said, I know He has kept me! Many of my friends and people I used to run with, drink with, and mess with, are dead and gone.” With tears in his eyes, he acknowledged God’s forgiveness and preservation through the years. Church members and believers in Christ called him “Brother Austin.”
He leaves to mourn his passing seven children Eunice (Sandra) Austin of Metcalf; Carmen Lindsey of Greenville; Eddie (Maria) Austin of Los Angeles, California; Phyllis Austin of Greenville; Wanda Austin of Greenville; Bobby (Susan) Austin of Palmdale, California; and Frederick (Sonya) Austin of Clinton; brothers , James (Rose) Austin of Starkville and Bennie (Vera) Austin of Chicago, Illinois; 23 grandchildren La’Toya, LaQuita, Taka, Justin, Trevon, Kaylan, Jacorian, Shawan, MiKaela, Michael, William, ToMeka, Fatima, Daphne, Kendall, Cordell, Erica, Marcus, Amber, Ciera, Frederick Jr., Jared, and Jeremiah; 56 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, several nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and other relatives, as well as loving friends. His niece, Gloria (Tina) Johnson occupied a special place in his heart/life.
