Anthony “Tony” Austin passed away peacefully at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 22, 2016. Tony was born on February 5, 1956, the son of the late Paul and Bernice (Houston) Austin.
Tony grew up in Waterbury and attended Harwood Union High School. From a young age, he was outgoing, a friend to all and involved in his community. He was president of the Waterbury Teen Club and served as class officer and on the Governor’s Committee for Youth. He loved attending the Thursday night races at Thunder Road.
After high school, Tony enlisted in the Vermont National Guard and U.S. Army. He worked at Sugarbush ski area for several years before entering a 30-year career as a car dealer in Oklahoma, Texas and Vermont. He worked for several car dealerships as well as operating his own dealership and trucking company in Vermont and Tennessee.
On February 14, 2003, he married his best friend and love of his life, Susan (Hennebury). They have resided in Franklin, Tennessee, for the past 10 years. Tony enjoyed sailing, vacationing in the Caribbean and NASCAR. Tony will be best remembered for his easy smile, sense of humor, love of his family and willingness to help anyone in need. His happiest moments were spent on the water or in the company of his family.
Survivors include his wife, Susan; three daughters, Jessica Rollins and her husband Dan of Raleigh, North Carolina, Melissa McGhee and her husband Dave of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Jennifer Austin of Charlotte, North Carolina. He leaves four beloved grandchildren, the “twinkle in Papa’s eyes,” Maia Rollins and Emily, Justin (“Yummers”) and Kylie McGhee. He is also survived by sisters, Penny Watson of Barton, Vermont, and Lorna Sturtevant and her husband Michael of Northfield, Vermont. Other survivors include nieces, nephews and cousins, including special cousins Carol and Larry Byrd.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Andrew Catholic Church in Waterbury on July 8, 2016, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church parish hall. Friends may call at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on July 7, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, consideration be given to making a contribution to Alive Hospice at www.alivehospice.org. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
