GEORGE MICHAEL “DIGGER” AUSTIN age 73 of Crossville, TN passed away August 1, 2025 surrounded by his devoted family. He was born February 12, 1952 in El Paso, TX the son of Robert and Lavena Phillips Austin. He worked more than 30 years as a grave digger for Bilbrey and Burris Funeral Homes and was also a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was a kind and loving brother who will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

He is survived by his brothers- David Austin (Diane), Allen Austin (Darlene/deceased) all of Crossville, TN and Danny Austin (Mary) of Sparta, TN, sister- Debbie Nail (Rick) of Crossville, TN, a host of special nieces and nephews and close friends- Jayne Greene.and Carol Dunaway.

He was preceded in death by parents- Robert and Lavena Austin, stepmother- Zdenka Lockwood Austin, wife- Wilma Dean Austin and stepbrother- John Ashley Burg.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday August 5, 2025 at 1pm at Hood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11am-1pm two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. The burial will be in Welch Cemetery in Monterey, TN at a later date.