AUSTIN, PAUL E.

Gainesville - Paul E. Austin, 78, passed quietly away at his home in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 20th after a long illness. Paul was born in McComb, Mississippi, and he grew up in Key West. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, then attended University of Florida before beginning his 42-year career with the Civil Service. He retired as a supervisor of Shipbuilding and Conversion at Naval Station Mayport, FL after 19 years there.

Paul was an avid Florida Gators fan; he, together with his wife and many long-time friends, held season tickets to their football games for many years. They were faithful in their attendance, going to every home game, away game, and even every Orange and Blue Game. He wasn't only a fan of UF Football, but all other Gator sports; he attended softball, baseball, basketball, and volleyball games, as well.

He and his family had been members of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Jacksonville, FL for 21 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John K. and Dean Austin, and step-son Charles Robbins Woods.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Mary; brother John R. Austin (Yonsuk), of Pueblo, CO.; daughter Melanie A. Tague, and step-sons Bobb Woods (Jean), Mike Woods (Deborah), and Ricky Woods (Dianna).

Paul was also a loving grandfather of twelve, great-grandfather of six, and had been excitedly awaiting the impending arrivals of two more great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 9:30 am Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL. Inurnment will follow at Forest Meadows Memorial Park East. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial gift be made to either Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 or to the St Jude Tribute Program in Memphis, TN. (Tribute #32670410). Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home in Gainesville, FL.

Published in Gainesville Sun from January 28 to January 29, 2013