William Joseph Austin, age 71, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday afternoon, November 3, 2023, at his home.

      He was born July 17, 1952, in Metropolis, the son of William and Florence Bell (Brady) Austin Sr.  He was united in marriage to Brenda Marie Johnson on October 24, 1975, in Watseka, and together they have shared 48 wedding anniversaries.    

      Bill and Brenda were active members of the Assembly of God Church in Flora where Bill enjoyed singing and playing the drums.  His love for Jesus and his family always came first.  Bill had farmed for Joe Burt in his early years and later drove for several trucking companies, including Ed Lewis Trucking, Hetzel’s Trucking in Effingham, and Buehler Auto Transport out of Knoxville, Tennessee.  He enjoyed working on cars, hunting, and boating. 

      He is survived by his wife: Brenda Austin of Flora; children: Garry Johnson (Mary O’Dell) of Flora, James Houston of Effingham, and Michael (Angela) Austin of Xenia; grandchildren: Ashley Johnson of Flora, Troy (Ally) Johnson of Clay City, Cody Houston (Bradlyn Barnard) of Flora, Taylor (Dylan) Shroyer of Xenia, Miayah Houston of Effingham, Ethan Houston of Flora, Tasha (Brett) Evans of Flora, Jathen Brown of Fairfield, Michael Hazelwood of Flora, and David (Alya) Hazelwood of Flora; great-grandchildren: Sophie, Xander, Maddie, Owen, Emmit, Bentley, Enzley, Bellamy, Isaac, Jaxon, Luna, Adalyn, Arya, Cash, Linkin, Elaina, Brooke, Emerson, Rylan, Laila, and Aliviah; 2 sisters: Donna Tobeck of Watseka and Vicky Eheart of North Carolina; and a sister-in-law: Marilyn Geiger.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: George Austin and Greg Austin; and 2 sisters: Debbie Brown and Linda Lester.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com