Sussman-Laabs

George Edwin Austin, 78, of Midland, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2012. George was born to Margaret (Wyatt) and Charles Austin on Feb. 28, 1934, in Detroit. George was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, in 1965, and is survived by his wife, Donna, whom he married June 12, 1969, in Royal Oak. George was a graduate of Delbarton Military Academy, N.J. and attended Niagara University, N.Y., followed by serving in the military during the Korean Conflict. George's first career was spent with Detroit Bank and Trust. He then moved his family north to Grayling, where he, along with his wife and children, built and operated Pine Knoll Campground, a 300-site resort which has become one of the top ranked campgrounds in Michigan. Upon moving to Midland, he worked for the Freeland Schools from which he retired. Not the fishing or traveling type, he returned to work soon after at Ace Hardware where he worked for 12 years, and often referred to his co-workers there as his second family. In addition to his wife, Donna, he leaves behind children, Tim Austin, Kathy Harwood, Joni (Tom) Kaiser and Steve (Christy) Granda, all of Midland, Cheryl (Mike) Smock of Hope, Gary (Cindy) Granda of Sanford, Denis Granda of Wyoming, Susan (Michael) Anastessiou of Dallas, Texas and Marianne (John) Hoffman of Indialantic, Fla. Additionally, George leaves behind 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Edward Austin of Vassar, Ks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; three brothers; and one sister. George's legacy includes his strong work ethic and one of his favorite lifelong messages, that he lived by, that "can't never did anything." Funeral services will take place at 6 p.m., this evening, Friday, March 30, 2012, from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. George's family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 3 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Our Savior Lutheran Church in Midland. [Midland Daily News, 28 Mar 2012]