Kenneth Renard Austin was born in Columbus, MS August 21, 1952 to Herman Lewis Austin and Lucretia Brewer Austin. He departed this life on Friday October 4, 2019. He was the fourth of eight children and one of four boys. He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age and joined Stephen Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Ken, as he was known, attended Union Academy Elementary School and graduated in 1969 from R.E. Hunt High School, both in Columbus, MS.  He graduated in 1973 from Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville, MS with a Bachelor of Science. Ken was a fan and supporter of the Mississippi State University Bulldogs.

He served in the Mississippi National Guard and served his country faithfully. As the son of a Self-employed Carpenter and Head Start Teacher/Homemaker, Ken developed a strong work ethic that he exhibited throughout both his personal and professional life. While he and his brothers worked on jobsites with their father, they received valuable life lessons. His mother encouraged and required a strong commitment to education. He, along with his siblings, received loving guidance from their grandparents, Horace and Pleasanna Austin and Cornelia and Homer Brewer. Ken was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. He enjoyed friendships with coworkers from the Lowndes County Sherriff Office where he was employed for 13 years and achieved the rank of Sergeant.  Ken shared his love for fishing, hunting and with a special group of men who we call affectionately his Sand Road Friends. He enjoyed their fishing trips, hunting, gardening and social gatherings.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Lucretia Austin, his brothers Harvey L. Austin, Curtis H. Austin and Charles W. Austin. He was also preceded in death by special nieces Tamitha L. Austin,  Amelia Rebecca Austin and Jessica Elise Austin.

He is survived by his siblings Mary Austin Woodrick (Bobby) of Columbus, MS, Peggy Austin Greene of Flowood, MS, Carol Austin Bryant (Lou) of Ashburn and Cynthia Austin Melvin of Jackson, MS. He is also mourned by his loving sister-in-law, Qua Mattix Austin of Columbus, MS and Ineather Austin of Southaven, MS. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, some of whom affectionately called him "UNK" and relied on him for life lessons, deer sausage, and frozen vegetables.  He is also survived by a host of cousins and other close relatives.

It is with Special Joy we acknowledge his relationship with his nieces and nephews who were a constant in his life. They enjoyed introducing him to new technology, social media and he allowed them to take photos of him. There were very few people Ken allowed to tell him what do. He would at least listen to them.