Mr. Steve Anthony Austin, 40, of Athens, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at his home.

Born on September 2, 1983, in Waco, TX, he was the son of Mark Anthony Austin and Lisa L. Hurst Horvath.  Mr. Austin was a machine operator for Purina, of the Baptist faith and a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.

Steve was a loyal friend and partner. He had strong work ethic and a great ability to think outside of the box. He had a great sense of humor, always wanting to make others laugh. He loved hosting and being gathered with his friends and family. He loved cooking and sharing his food with the people he loved. Over the last few years he started making his own beef jerky, and had a fan following. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. He wrestled at Spartanburg Methodist College and later was a referee for middle and high school wrestling. He enjoyed fishing, video games with friends, poker, and lounging on the couch with his family.

Survivors include his wife: Jessica Adkins Austin of Athens; father & step-mother: Mark A. Austin & Jenda Andrews Austin of Hartwell; mother & step-father: Lisa L. Horvath & Steve Horvath of China Spring, TX; sister: Angela Austin-Yezak & Matthew Yezak of Waco, TX; step-brother: Ricky Young & Stephanie of Colbert, GA; step-sister: Angela Burkhalter & Josh of Nicholson, GA; his dog: Sandor; and eleven nieces & nephews: Addison Yezak, Cole Sigo, Gavin Sigo, Roslyn Langley, Benji Langley, Liam Moon, Kayla Hill, Tymon Young, Brianna Threlkeld, Hailey Burkhalter, and Emma Burkhalter.

Steve wished to be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Pastor Robbie Brown, Pastor David Bailey and Pastor Ben Smith officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. At other times, the family will be at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to MANUP? at www.manup.how/donate or The Raber Scholarship, ASWOA, 4411 Oak Crest Drive, Gainesville GA 30506.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.