Obituary of Paul Spence Austin III

Paul Spence Austin III, 71, became an angel in heaven Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Paul proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He received an Army Commendation Medal for actions that were “indispensable to the success of the platoon’s defensive efforts.” Paul enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He cherished spending time with Vickie and their family at the lake house he built on Lake Livingston. Paul never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. As a jack-of-all-trades, he never hesitated to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen and learn. Paul had a way of lighting up a room and making people smile. He will always be our John Wayne. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, E. H. and Alice McCain, Paul Spence Austin II; sister, Francis Pollard, and beloved dog, Rambo. He is survived by his wife, Vickie; children, Christa Ashlock and husband, Nathan, Amanda Ward and husband, Jeff and Coy Oliver and wife, Brooke; siblings, William McCain and wife, Becky, Phillip McCain and wife, Belinda, Debra Gibson and husband, Marvin, and Rhonda Johnson and husband, Johnny; grandchildren, Dayton and Kase Ashlock, and Tyler and Chloe Mahalec; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Clayton Funeral Home, 201 S. 3rd, LaPorte, TX 77571. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.claytonfuneralhomes.com. A live-streaming of the celebration will also be available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s name to Buckner Children and Family Services, 9055 Manion Drive, Beaumont, TX, 77706.