Austin Corey Ash went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2016, he was born with Myotonic Dystrophy on March 21, 1992 and has fought these 24 years to live a life that brought joy to all who knew him. God needed a special angel. He loved baseball and was a member of the Lumpkin County Heroes team. The team, the coaches and the parents loved and supported him and cheered him on. He is now on God’s heavenly team. Austin loved the Lord and his church families and he loved to sing at Concord and Friendship Baptist Churches and the many others that he visited.
Austin graduated from Lumpkin County High School and still carries Mrs. Marianna Spahija’s (his beloved teacher) photo in his wallet. He loved all of his teacher friends: Ms. Lena, Ms. Marci, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Hitt, Ms. G, Ms. Jeannie, Ms. Danielle, and Ms. Katie. He loved his lunchroom ladies and all his school friends, especially his dancing partners over the years and his best friends Nate and Zach.
Austin was preceded in death by his beloved “Pop” (Larry Grizzle), his loving aunt Trini Davis as well as many great-grandparents. He leaves behind his loving family including his mother and step-father Nicole Ash and George Oswell, his sister Audrey Ash, his “Nanny” Loretta Grizzle, Aunt and Uncle Sabrina (Bean) and Wayne Gooch, dear cousins Lauren and Eric Epperson. Many other family members and friends also survive.
Austin loved visiting, talking on the telephone, the movie Simon Birch, listening to his music, dancing, riding the Rhino with Uncle Wayne, eating out, writing letters to his friends, watching wrestling on TV, swimming at Lauren and Eric’s, staying at Nanny’s, bowling, and carnival rides (especially the ones that made Nanny sick). His favorite color was purple, which represents royalty.
He touched and changed many lives in his 24 years and loved freely without judgment. He will be greatly missed especially by his cousin and best friends “Candice” (Chanda Calhoun) and Reita Snipes. The family thanks the community and the many friends and family who have donated food, money, their time, and above all their prayers. They also thank Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s hospital and hospice staff as well as Dr. Dan Mullis and Dr. Donna Whitfield.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly to me.” Timothy 4:7-9
Arrangements will be handled by: Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega, Georgia. Viewing will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 21, 2016 (Austin’s Birthday) at Concord Baptist Church in Dahlonega, Georgia. Austin will lie in state from 3:00 – 3:30 at the church with services immediately following at 3:30 PM. Flowers accepted or monetary donations accepted for Lumpkin County High School’s Special Education Class in remembrance of Austin.
Online condolences may be made at www.banisterfuneralhome.net