Andrew "Andy" John Austin

Andrew John Austin, 60, of Carolina Shores, NC met his Lord and Savior face to face on the evening of Sunday, June 14, 2026, following a twelve year battle with brain cancer.

Andrew or "Drew" and "Andy" as he was affectionately known by his many friends and family, was a son of Thomas Austin and the late Joan Elaine Stuart Austin. He was born in Yonkers, NY and lived with his parents, older sister, Cathy, and two younger brothers, Bill and Pat.  When he was in elementary school, his family moved to the San Diego, CA area.  This is where he spent the happiest years of his childhood riding bikes, playing Little League Baseball, and going on family picnics.  After some moves back on the East Coast, Andy attended Burlington High School in Burlington, VT.  He excelled in art, but his fondest memories were playing baseball and football with his brother Bill and BHS teammates.  Under the direction of Coaches Bove & Billings, he learned valuable life lessons and the skills required to help his team win the Vermont State Baseball Championship in 1983.

After graduating high school, Andy moved to NY and studied at Propersi Art Institute in Greenwich, CT. He received his degree in Commercial Art.  Upon graduation, he accepted a job with TCI Cable of Westchester in Mamaroneck, NY as an auditor/installer.  He worked there for seven years and subsequently accepted a position with Verizon in Port Chester, NY. He worked in both the Service and Construction Departments as a telecommunications technician.

Andy loved music his whole life and was a walking encyclopedia of songs and their lyrics. He was a die hard rock 'n' roller! Classic rock, southern rock, alt rock, yacht rock, grunge and heavy metal were his favorites. He also liked to mix things up with the blues, 70's disco, bluegrass, R&B/soul, Motown, and Tex Mex. In later years, contemporary Christian and praise & worship music became staples. Andy was captivated by songs with three part harmonies and he wasn't satisfied until everyone listening agreed with how awesome they were.

Van Halen was Andy's favorite band of all time. Their music and energy inspired him to take up the drums.  He admired John Bonham's drumming style, but he was mostly self-taught.  Andy loved practicing and playing local gigs, in cover bands, with his brother, Pat, cousin, Mark Austin, and brother-in-law, Gene Kelly.  Andy was proudest of being a musician/drummer in Daisychain with bandmates Johnny Cacanindin, Ted Cacanindin and June Fabella.  Their Filipino rock band wrote their own songs; some in English and others in Tagalog.  They recorded their album, Santa Mesa Heights Sessions, in the late 1990's.  Andy later branched out and enjoyed playing the drums with Unleashed Ministries' praise and worship.

Andy's cousin, Lisa, introduced him to his best friend and love of his life, Catharine.  They married in 2001 and relocated to North Carolina, a few years later, with their young child, Shannon.  A couple of years later, they welcomed their second baby, Paige.  During this time, Andy continued his telecommunications work primarily as a cable splicer for Frontier Communications in Myrtle Beach, SC.  As a family, they looked forward to road trips exploring new places in NC and visiting relatives in NY, VT, SC, and FL. They were happiest at Disney, in Black Mountain, NC, and watching The Blue Angels, together.

Andy was a devoted husband and dad who put the needs of his family before his own.  He cooked for them after work and made their favorite mashed potatoes, pancakes, flan, scones, and Christmas cookies.  He had a great sense of humor and would do anything to make his family laugh.  He loved to read childrens books with his kids using all kinds of silly voices and accents.  Andy was the most amazing listener who always made time for everyone.   He cherished Shannon and Paige and was proud of who they were and all of their accomplishments.  Truly, his greatest joy was found spending time with his immediate and extended family, including his favorite dog, Clubber, and black cats, Max and Milo.

For entertainment, Andy was a passionate fan of the NY Mets, LA Rams, and Walt Disney World.  Disney animation influenced his own artistic style.  He illustrated and drafted several children's books, yet to be published.

Andrew was an active member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC.  He relied heavily on prayer and his relationship with the Lord, when he faced storms in his life, and he exemplified the fruits of the Spirit throughout.  Andy found incredible purpose in mentoring high school boys, as an Access Youth group leader, at ODPC.  He felt privileged to share the hope of the Gospel with these students.

Andy was a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, husband, father, uncle, and genuine friend.  Above all, he will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, infectious smile, joyful spirit, and his eagerness to share the love of Jesus with everyone he met.  He will live on in the hearts of those he touched.  We look forward to being reunited with this precious soul in Heaven.               

Surviving are his loving wife of 25 years, Catharine Austin; his father, Thomas Austin and wife Sharon; his beloved children, Shannon Austin and Paige Austin; a sister, Cathleen Bara and husband Thomas; brothers, William Austin and wife, Caitlyn, Patrick Austin and wife Christine.  Also surviving are his mother and father-in-law, George Case Jr. and Agnes Case; brother-in-law, George Case III; sister-in-law, Theresa Kelly and husband Gene Kelly.  He leaves several nieces and nephews, Kelsey Dandridge and husband Jackson, their daughter, Emersyn; Logan Bara, Taylor Austin, Lauren Austin, Dylan Austin, Matthew Kelly, Cecelia Kelly, Maeve Kelly, Reagan Kelly, Mairead Kelly, and Rowan Kelly.

Andrew's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who prayed for, loved, and supported Andy throughout his illness.  Special thanks to Lower Cape Fear Life Care nurses and caregivers Ashley, Robin, Chris, LaShonda, and Melissa who brought peace and comfort to Andy and the family in his last days.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC.  A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church

410 6th Ave. S North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service