Obituary of James Leroy Austin

James Leroy Austin, 80, died Monday, November 25, 2024, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia. Born, September 16, 1944, in Sumter, he was a son of the late Earl Doby Austin and Ethel Berry Austin. Mr. Austin was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran and retired from The Sumter Daily Item after 32 years of service. He is survived by a daughter, Jennie McKenzie of Sumter;a special bonus daughter, Kristen Barker; two sons, Charlie Austin (Lynn) of Kingstree and Troy Austin (Leslie) of Turbeville; a special grandson, John Wesley McKenzie, Jr.; granddaughters, Danielle Austin, Sierra Bleakley, and Neeley Austin; a special great-grandchild, Oliver James McKenzie; and a great-grandson, Ra’mon Bleakley; two sisters, Judy Prescott and Maxine Kyle; four bonus grandchildren, Shyana, Natalee, Ryder, and Aleeah McLeod and a special caregiver, Sonya Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. Graveside services will be held at 12 Noon Friday, November 29, 2024, at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Bryan M. Rogers, officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM to 11:30 AM Friday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home prior to the service. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.