Thomas F. "Tom" Austin

Thomas F. (Tom) Austin of Gulfport, Ms and former long-time resident of Pascagoula, Ms, departed this earthly life and entered into eternity in heaven with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday May 5, 2026.

To know Tom was to love him. He was always described by others as a good, kind, and loving gentleman. His top priority was to live a life worthy of a home in heaven. He was a Christian who not only “talked the talk” but also “walked the walk.” His faith in the Lord never wavered. He was a member of the Church of Christ and formerly served as a deacon and youth bible class teacher. He truly loved others and was always there to help in times of need.

Tom was born in Louisville, Kentucky but lived most of his early years in Dallas, Texas, moving to the Gautier/Pascagoula area as a teenager. He was a graduate of Pascagoula High School, Pascagoula, MS and Control Data Institute of Dallas, Texas. Tom ended his career in 2017 in Biomedical Engineering at Memorial Hospital Gulfport, MS, as a radiation imaging specialist. Tom often referred to himself as a “motorhead” and retirement afforded him the time to put to use his brilliant and creative mind by building a Rat Rod from the ground up that he loved to display during Cruising the Coast.

Tom was a family man who, even after over 44 years of marriage, remained totally devoted to his wife, Joni, who he lovingly referred to as his bride. Tom loved nothing more than family gatherings and celebrations. Some of his favorite titles included Daddy, Pappaw, and Uncle Tom. He was always ready to offer his sweet smile, gentle hugs, and a warm handshake.

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, science fiction, and documentaries. He was a die-hard football fan, especially the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys. Tom and Joni traveled through the years, visiting Mexico, Canada, England, and numerous other destinations throughout the United States. He especially treasured traveling to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with Joni in January of each year to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas F. Sr. and Billie Council Austin; his sister, Suzanne Austin Cook; his mother-in-law, Maxine Killingsworth Smith; and his sister-in-law, Michele “Missy” Miller.

Tom is survived by his wife of over 44 years, Joni M. Austin; his children, Brandy Austin Mills (Ronnie) and son, Thomas Robert Austin (Selena); sister-in-law, Lauri Stovall (Bob); brother-in-law, Scott Miller (Leann); eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored, as well as his sweet fur baby, Millie.

Services will be held at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home Monday, May 11, 2026, In Pascagoula, Ms, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:00. Services will begin at 11:00 in the funeral home chapel with Elder Don Fitzgerald officiating. Interment to follow at Machpelah Cemetery.

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