Earl David Austin, Sr.

Mr. Earl David Austin, Sr., age 66, of Pittsboro, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Friday, April 24, 2026, at his residence. 

Obituary

Earl David Austin (aka Sweet Earl, aka COOL EARL WITH THE BRIEFCASE) was called home by the Lord on April 24, 2026. He passed in his home that evening with family surrounding him.

He was born December 28, 1959, in Holly Springs, NC. The family relocating to Pittsboro Fire Tower Road around 1970. He was a devoted son to the late Adam David Austin and Marjorie Fike-Austin. Also proceeding in death is his son, Earl David Austin, Jr.; one sister, Elizabeth Austin Fradkink; and one nephew, Sherman Austin.

He was a man of faith and active in the caretaking of his family's Church, First Missionary Baptist Church, Pittsboro, NC. There he was a trustee, usher, and vice-president of the choir. He was also a Member of the Deep River Missionary Baptist Association from his youth. He was loved by all in the congregation. He enjoyed country life; including hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking. He especially enjoyed cooking wild game, and he was good at it! He was also known by his friends and family on the Fire Tower Road (and elsewhere) for his signature trademark the BLOWING OF HIS TRUCK HORN as he passed on by. (Smile)

Earl graduated from Northwood High School in 1978. He will be remembered by schoolmates from both the classes of 1978 and of 1979, which consider him to be part their class. Earl aka: COOL EARL WITH THE BRIEFCASE (smile). Careers that spanned his life included a masonry tradesman, and restaurant operations manager. During his career at KFC he implemented many innovative ideas and techniques. He'd often share many stories about both with pride. In his retirement he was a servant of God, always working to visit and feed the sick and shut in. He also enjoyed traveling to the Philippines where he had many friends. It gave him great peace and happiness. He made friends wherever he went and treated everyone as family.

Left to cherish in his memory are his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Yvonne Austin (Asheville, NC); children, Nicole, Jonathan, and Yolonda Austin (all from Pittsboro, NC); one sister, Stephanie Austin-Tucci (Chris) of Chapel Hill, NC and one brother, Edward Austin (Susan) of Pittsboro, NC. He also loved and enjoyed his four grandchildren, Brandon, Jayden, Tylaya, and Azahri. They were Earls heartbeats, no doubt about that, and he loved playing and laughing with them. They brought him a tremendous amount of joy. There was nothing in the world Earl would not do for his babies. Also grieving are his three nephews, Nicholas, Matthew, and Joey Austin who also aided his uncle daily throughout his illness until his passing and we are eternally grateful for his help. Thank you Joey, we love you. His passing will also be mourned by countless friends and a large family including Aunt Josephine Powell (Greg), Uncle Arthur Austin, and Uncle Alburn "LB" Austin. He also had a host of Aunts and Uncles from whom have now passed on. He had five great-nephews, Terrance, Wesley, Dominic, Lance, and Dante' and one great-niece, Shayla. He was blessed with a host of nieces and nephews. Earl David Austin has left behind a true legacy. A man who loved; a man who cared; a man who was full of compassion for others. A Godly man who will truly be missed but never forgotten. Sweet Heavenly Rest in Paradise. "SWEET EARL" Always in our hearts. We love you, Daddy.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro, NC