Billy “Meatball” Austin, 84, of Sparta, passed away Oct. 26, 2016, NHC Healthcare of Sparta.

Mr. Austin was born June 13, 1932, in Putnam County, to Shelah Austin and Josie Mae Mitchell Austin.

He was retired from the Tennessee National Guard.

Mr. Austin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dillard Austin (in World War II), Kenneth Austin and his wife Deanna; and sister-in-law, Nannie L. Austin.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Maxine Bumbalough Austin; son, Michael E. Austin and wife Joyce; daughters, Regina K. Jolly and husband Jeff, Cherri D. Taylor and husband Richard; grandchildren, Michele Austin, Zach Jolly and wife Heather, Austin Taylor; step-grandchildren, Cody Wilhite and wife Leah, LeaAnn Gore and husband Mark; step-great-grandchildren, Lyza Wilhite, Jake Gore, Benson Wilhite; and brother, Wylie Gene Austin

Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Oct. 28, 2016, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Old Zion Cemetery. Full military honors will be presented by the Tennessee National Guard Honor Guard. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Oct. 27, at the funeral home. Ronnie Taylor and Doyle Crawford will officiate.

Ronnie Austin, Wallace Austin, Tommy Austin, Bill Austin, Kirk Bumbalough, Jason Johnson, Mark Gore, Jeremy Austin, Jared Austin, Corey Austin, Cody Wilhite and Austin Francis will serve as pallbearers.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.