Jack Austin

Jack Austin, 86, of Newport departed this life Sunday, December 27, 2020. He was born in Rison, Ark., on July 10, 1934, the son of Voy and Vestal Austin. He owned and operated U.S. Pizza Company in Newport for 37 years. He was a member of Kiwanis in Missouri/Arkansas Chapter. One of his achievements was having a perfect attendance and serving as Lieutenant Governor. When serving in Kiwanis, his favorite project was Terrific Kids. Kids were always special to him; he worked with Paragould Children's Homes Camp Tahkodah and Vacation Bible School on the Navajo Reservation in Ft. Defiance, Ariz. He was a member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army. Jack met the love of his life, Virginia in 1957, while working at Kroger. They married October 4, 1958, and have spent 62 wonderful years together. Jack and Virginia loved to travel and explored many destinations together with Senior Circle, sometimes he was even the bus driver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Voy and Vestal Austin; two brothers, Edwin Austin and Wilton Austin; two sisters, Lois Jacobson and Reba Thomas. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Virginia Austin; their daughter, Renee Bell (Harry) of Marion; granddaughter, Caroline Mosher (Steve); great-grandchildren, Hayley, Henry, Benjamin, and Charlotte Mosher of Marietta Ga.; sisters-in-law, Clara Nell Crews and Ina West, Janice Austin; brother-in-law, Morris Reaves Jr. (Jane); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and one special aunt, Doris Austin; many great-nieces and nephews as well. Graveside services will be 10:30 Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Hopewell Cemetery in Cord, Ark. Friends may visit at the cemetery from 10:00 until service for a time of visitation. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Holden Avenue Church of Christ or The Children's Home in Paragould.