C. Eugene Austin, 79, founded insulation company – Coastal Observer
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C. Eugene Austin, 79, founded insulation company

April 2, 2019

Croson Eugene Austin of Willbrook Plantation, who started an insulation company in Charlotte, died March 23. He was 79.

Known as Gene, he was born April 29, 1939, in Charlotte, the son of Croson and Ruth Hanline Austin. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and served in the National Guard. He married Nellie Kidd in 1958. They built a home in east Charlotte’s Marlwood Acres and raised two children before moving to Lake Norman in 1977. 

Mr. Austin loved the outdoors and had a deep passion for gardening, fishing and golf. At the peak of his golf game, he had a 5 handicap. He wasn’t one to sit still long, always on the move with the next project or adventure.

His career started at Charlotte Insulating, where he worked many years before starting his own business, Austin Insulating Co., in 1970. It is now known as Austin Co. 

He was remembered as a fair and generous man whose success in business was attributed to treating his employees as family. He often asked candidates for employment, “What comes first, your family or work?” If the answer was work, there would be doubt and further discussions about family. There were too many employees, suppliers and customers who became lifelong friends. 

He retired in 2000 when he and Nellie moved to Pawleys Island while maintaining a second residence in the Lake Norman area. 

He was a member of Pawleys Island Community Church and enjoyed Tuesday morning Bible study. 

In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by his daughter, Donna Austin; his son, Daniel Austin (Jova Jamison); his granddaughters, Amy Long and Amber Scott (Tony); his great-grandchildren, Macey, Kylee and Tayden Scott; his sisters, Lavern McMillan and Barbara Winters; a practically adopted son, Matt Pope; and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of his life was held March 28 in Huntersville, N.C. Memorial service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Pawleys Island Community Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078; Pawleys Island Community Church, 10304 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585; or Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Rd., Denver, NC 28037. Condolences may be sent at jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.

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