Hilton M. Austin, Jr.

Hilton M. Austin, Jr. age 70 of Decatur, Ga passed away February 20, 2021. Hilton was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. Hilton was a natural leader who managed and coached countless people and dollars in his professional and personal life. He loved to study the gospel, do challenging work, travel as much as possible and drink Cabernet Sauvignon. Hilton will be most remembered by his willingness to answer God’s call to be in service to the voiceless.
Hilton was one of the founding organizers of the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center and served as Chair of the Board of Directors. He also served the Southeastern Synod as Director of Advocacy. Through his organizing and leadership, the first Human Trafficking bill was passed in the state of Georgia. He successfully developed a network of advocates across four states - Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. In December 2020, Hilton was awarded the Robert S. and Jean S. Graetz Advocacy Award in honor of his courage and faithfulness to the Gospel and establishing a vibrant advocacy program in Georgia and the Southeastern Synod that will continue for years to come.
Hilton is preceded in death by his parents, Hilton M. Austin, Sr. and Inez Austin. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patti Austin, three sons, Terry Lee (Dale), Matthew Lee (Jenny) and Jay M. Austin; seven grandchildren, Caycee, Jacob, Savannah, Wyatt, Jay Michael, Tyler and Peyton; two great grandchildren, Julian and Vivian and many more family and friends.
A memorial service for Hilton will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Hilton’s memory to the Georgia Interfaith public Policy Center. P.O. Box 15228, Atlanta, GA 30333 or SEC - Women of the ELCA, 950 Eagles Landing parkway, Suite 617, Stockbridge, GA 30281. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.