William Lane Austin Jr.

Published 11:11 am Monday, April 7, 2025

May 25, 1969 – April 4, 2025

NATCHEZ – Services for William Lane Austin Jr., 55, of Natchez, who passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Natchez, will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Whest Shirley officiating. 

Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home. 

William was born on May 25, 1969, in Natchez to William “Bill” Austin Sr. and Rita Carter Austin.  

He graduated from South Natchez High School in 1987 and began a lifelong career in the Automobile Industry. William’s love of people and his sharp business skills propelled him through various roles and management positions. He was a great mentor, always sharing his expertise and advice with others, and he had compassion for helping others succeed. 

Being a father was William’s greatest joy. His sons, Coty and Lane, were always his source of pride. He loved spending time with them, often hunting, fishing, cooking, and riding the back roads.   

William enjoyed the blessings that life brought. He had the ability to make the best out of bad moments and always found the best in every moment. His laughter was contagious. Never meeting a stranger, he was a bright light in every room he stepped into.  

William was a man of many words–words of comfort, encouragement, gratitude, and love. Even in his profession, it was his words that made him so warm and charming. His words could bring a smile to any face. If you were hurting, his eyes would say what words couldn’t. The good Lord knew he loved to share these words in all his stories. He was the epitome of the most selfless and purehearted man. 

William was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Leodas Carter, and John and Lee Austin; his parents, Bill and Rita Austin; his uncles, Jimmy Carter and Bobby Nabors; aunts, Tommye Sue Carter and May Frazier; sister-in-law, Lori Austin; and cousin, Richard Ratcliffe.

He is survived by his children, Coty Austin (Casie) and Lane Austin; his brother, Carter Austin; sister, Kelly Baroni (Michael); aunts, Cissy Nabors and Beverly Ratcliffe (Latta); uncle, Eddie Carter (Rhonda); cousins, Kristi Hughes (Kevin), Stacy Carter, and Nicki Barbour (Will); niece, Taylor Baroni; nephews, John Carter Austin and Parker Baroni; and granddaughter, Brooke. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.