James Hal Austin

PEACHLAND – Mr. James Hal Austin, 77, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family as he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Deep Springs Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and at other times at their respective homes.

Hal was born on June 28, 1949, in Peachland, North Carolina, at his family's homeplace across the road from Deep Springs Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful, lifelong member. He was the son of the late James Pernay Austin and Ellen Mable Stegall Austin.

A 1967 graduate of Anson High School, Hal later earned an associate degree from Anson Technical College.

Hal proudly served his country in the United States Navy. During his active-duty service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He later continued his military career in the United States Naval Reserve, faithfully serving until his retirement as a Chief Petty Officer after 26 years of military service.

Hal worked with the United States Postal Service, first as a mail carrier in Monroe and later at the United States Postal Service Processing & Distribution Center in Charlotte .

His faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life. As a devoted member of Deep Springs Baptist Church, Hal faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, Baptist Men member, and ordained deacon. He remained actively involved in his church's ministries until declining health limited his participation.

Among Hal's greatest passions—second only to his love for the Lord and his family—was the land his parents entrusted to him. He found great joy in farming, working alongside family members, and passing on his love of the land to future generations. Those moments spent together in the fields became treasured memories for all who knew him.

Hal also possessed a remarkable gift for storytelling. A gifted speaker, he was frequently invited to share at special events and community gatherings. His stories, rich with wisdom, humor, and history, reflected his deep appreciation for his heritage. More often than not, he would conclude his remarks by sharing a song, blessing those around him with both his words and his voice.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 13 years, Linda Helms Austin; his children, Emily Austin Barbee (Sean) of Endy, Ashley Pernay Austin (Shelia) of Clayton, Lorie Eury (Rodney) of Oakboro, Adam Strawn (Susan) of New London, and Lisa Dales (Chuck) of Stanfield; his grandchildren, Nathanael Austin Crabtree (Gabi) of Mount Airy, Gabriella Austin Crabtree of Endy, Andrew Austin Crabtree of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Thaddaeus Austin Crabtree of Endy, Avery Austin and Owen Austin of Clayton, Dalton Eury and Macie Eury of Oakboro, Braxton Strawn and Garrett Strawn of New London, Lydia Ingle (Samuel) of Lynchburg, Virginia, Bethany Blair (Brayden) of Cedaredge, Colorado, Robbie Dales (Elizabeth) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kelly Dales and Benjamin Dales of Stanfield; his great-granddaughter, Ruthie Blair of Cedaredge, Colorado; his sister, Marie Bagley of Peachland; his brother-in-law, Richard Thomas of Natick, Massachusetts; his sister-in-law, Marty Thomas of Peachland; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Hal was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Mert Austin (Sherry), Delores Thomas, and Larry Austin, as well as his brother-in-law, Bill Bagley.

In keeping with Hal's heart for missions, memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering through Deep Springs Baptist Church, 1908 Deep Springs Church Road, Peachland, NC 28133, or to Bible Broadcasting Network, Post Office Box 7300, Charlotte, NC 28241.

The Austin family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Atrium Health Hospice Anson, whose kindness and support were a tremendous blessing during Hal's final days.

The family is being served by Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.leavittfh.com .