William Hoytte "Bill" Austin Jr.

Mr. William Hoytte "Bill" Austin Jr. was the first born son of Kate Josephine Gerard Austin and William Hoytte Austin, having graduated from The University of Mississippi in 1956, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity; andvupon graduation, Mr. Austin returned to manage his family farm in Lake Cormorant, the largest dairy cattle herd and operation in the state of Mississippi at the time. Under his leadership, Austin Farms built the most advanced milking parlor facilities in the south. When the family farm was sold, he decided to make a career change; and

Mr. Austin attended Memphis State School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1972. He opened his own practice in 1977, known today as The Austin Law Firm. In his almost 50 years of practicing law, he was involved in civic and community activities and was a ready volunteer for anyone that needed his guidance.

For 20 years, he served as attorney for the Board of Supervisors and the DeSoto County Planning Commission. He was the Executive Director of DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority (DCRUA). He was a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation, and held membership in the American Bar, Mississippi Bar, the Tennessee Bar, and was past President of the DeSoto County Bar Association and a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar.

He served as a member of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, a Commissioner of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, past President of the DeSoto County Economic Council, and a member of the Lamar Order. He was a former President of the Mid-South Fair and was a member of the Northwest Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees, representing DeSoto County.

Mr. Austin served for twenty years in the Mississippi National Guard, retiring with the rank of Major. He was a 33rd degree Mason and Shriner. He was a lifelong resident of DeSoto County, Mississippi, with family roots tracing back for over 150 years.

Mr. Austin was married to the late Lynda Turner Austin. He is survived by his three children: Caroline Austin Rosser, Mary Austin Monteith, and William H. Austin Ill. His daughter Mary Austin Monteith is the acting President and Owner of Austin Law Firm.