Gearld David Austin

Gearld David Austin, 58, of Atkins, passed away peacefully, Thursday,  August 23, 2018, at the AR River Valley Hospice Home.   He was born September 3, 1959, in Russellville to Bernell “Fatman” Austin and Ellen Sue Kendrick Austin.  He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Otis and Bertha Rhodes Austin, Fred and Cora Mae Heflin Kendrick; brother, James “Jim” Austin; niece, Traci Locke; brother-in-law, Bro. Frank Richter. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Karen Austin; four children, John Morton & Katrina, Judsonia, David Austin & Kim, Hot Springs,  Stacy Morton, Russellville, Richard Austin & Brittany, Atkins; twelve grandchildren, Alyshia Morton, Harley Austin, Destiny McGee, Patrick McGee, Kara Gay, Kammi McGee, Ava Gay, Avery Austin, William Gay, Victoria Hathaway, Trevor Hathaway, Austin Morton; one brother and two sisters, Roland Austin & Sherri, Stillwater, OK, Sheila Bilby & David, Tulsa, OK, Sharon K. Clark & Mike, London; sister-in-law, Linda Richter, Russellville; brother-in-law, Larry & Renada Anderson, Owassa, OK; close family friend, Charles “Chuck” Berry and family; nephews, Michael Austin, Silas Clark, Charlie Austin, Eric Austin, Chris Bilby; nieces, Petra Davis, Michelle Hernandez, Mitzi Ashcroft, Diana Cochran, Rhonda Austin, Amber Tefertiller, Michelle Smith; numerous aunts, uncles other family and friends.

David retired after 30 years with ConAgra.  He was of the Assembly of God faith.   David loved life!  He had a heart for his family, small children, veterans and those in need. His driving passion for keeping the legacy of his father’s creation, Fatman’s Original Fried Dill Pickles was of the utmost importance to him. 

Fatman created the original recipe in 1963 at the Duches Drive-In in Atkins.  David was able to get the legacy of the Fried Dill Pickles in the Arkansas encyclopedia.  The family carries on the tradition of still serving these at the annual Pickle Fest celebration in Atkins. 

Visitation will be 5-7pm, Friday, August 24, 2018 at Russellville Family Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be 2pm, Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Russellville Family Funeral Chapel with Pastor Michael McNeely officiating. Burial will be private, in Bells Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral.

Honorary pallbearers will be past and present Con Agra Employees.

Memorials may be made in David’s honor to AR Hospice River Valley Home.

Obituary and online guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.