Austin Willis

Austin Willis, 91, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family.

Born Monday, July 9, 1934, in Dyer County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Marion B. Willis and the late Georgia Barker Willis.

Austin was a man of deep faith, he lived his life as a true Christian example, walking daily with the Lord. Compassionate, generous, and tenderhearted, he touched the lives of many with his kindness and steady spirit. Austin was a longtime member of Main Street Church of Christ in Newbern, where he served faithfully for many years—first as a deacon and later as an elder for thirty-four years. His service and leadership reflected his love for God, his family, and his church community.

He began his working career in sheet metal with Murray Flatt Electric before establishing his own business, Austin Willis Sheet Metal, which he owned and operated for forty-two years. His strong work ethic and dedication were well known, and he took pride in his craft.

Above all, Austin’s greatest joy was found in his family. He cherished his role as husband, father, and grandfather, and the love he shared with them will remain an enduring legacy.

Funeral services for Mr. Willis will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Mr. Mike Prestininzi. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of seventy years and nine months, Lou Butler Willis of Newbern, Tennessee; two sons, Ricky Willis of Newbern, Tennessee and Mark Willis (Beth) of St. Petersburg, Florida; two brothers, Dalton Gene Willis (Margaret) of Newbern, Tennessee and Kenneth "Ken" Willis (Clyde Ann) of Chattanooga, Tennessee and he was "Austi" to his four grandchildren, Gatlin Willis, Reagan Willis, Rylee Willis and Reese Willis.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Janet Willis.

Honoring Mr. Willis as pallbearers will Randy Evans, Chris Gibbons, Stan Throgmorton, Johnny Willis, Mike Pruitt and Jimmy  Turnbo.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Turnbo, John Monroe and Bob Moultrie.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Austin Willis.

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