Community Mourns Loss of Dr. Bob Austin
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Community leaders are mourning the news of the death of Dr. Bob Austin, a longtime community leader and advocate for all of Anderson’s citizens.
Those who have been a part of service work in Anderson over the past three decades, were familiar with Austin’s smiling face and energy and dedication toward making sure help found its way where help was needed.
“Over the many years I have worked in the community, I have had the privilege of working with so many community servants; Dr. Bob Austin was one of them,” said Anderson Area United Way CEO Carol Burdette. “He cared about the least of these and wanted to help with projects that would make the lives of others better. He was a special leader in Anderson.”
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns agreed.
“He was a great leader in the community, and was instrumental in helping with Kid Venture, especially in the early stages,” said Burns. “He will be missed.”
The recently retired dentist, who founded and maintained his practice in Homeland Park after arriving in Anderson in 1985, said he faced criticism for his decision to locate on the south side of town. But he said he knew he was going where he was supposed to be and became a friend to that community and especially many of the kids at Homeland Park Elementary School to whom he donated his services.
As one of the founding fathers of the Anderson Free Clinic, Austin remained active as a volunteer dentist with the organization as an advocate and board member until his cancer slowed him down earlier this year.
“Our hearts are broken with the passing of Dr. Austin,” said Anderson Free Clinic Executive Director Tammie Collins. “Bob was one of the Anderson Free Clinic’s greatest champions. His passion for helping others was apparent not only in his words but even more so in his actions. Bob was the founder of the dental clinic, served as the Dental Director & volunteered for many years. His impact will be felt for many years to come.”
Earlier this year, Austin and his wife Kristi were honored as recipients of the 2024 Robert M. Rainey Philanthropy Award, given to philanthropists who have made a “significant contribution to the betterment of the community by raising awareness for charitable causes, selflessly contributing personal resources, advocating for the needs in the community and inspiring others to have the same benevolent spirit.”
He also served in a variety of capacities with the Rotary Club of Anderson. His latest project was navigating through the political waters to build bus stop shelters to help keep those who ride public transit out of the elements. We were working on a story about that effort earlier this year when he fell ill.
“It is impossible to say in a few sentences the impact Bob had on our community,” said Angie Stringer, executive director of the Cancer Association of Anderson. “But right now, selfishly I can’t help but think how much he means to me. Bob has been an inspiration., Wherever good things were happening, you could find him there. Even when faced with cancer, he was willing to reach out and encourage others. He certainly encouraged and inspired me. Bob lived life well.”
“He truly fought the good fight,” said Stringer. “He finished the race. He kept the faith. And I am certain he heard the words, Well done, good and faithful servant.”
I talked to Bob in February of 2023 about his work and decision to retire. Here is that interview.