Chuck Austein

The Short Story of a Big Man, Chuck Austein



Chuck Austein is one big, giant, enormous smile. His presence fills the room and suddenly everyone there knows him, loves him and smiles. He has the uncanny ability to talk with anyone, anywhere, anytime, and he always has a story to tell you.



Chuck was born Charles Lyle Austein on June 22,1953 and Jesus brought him home peacefully on August 3, 2011. His parents, Carol and Charles "Chuck" Austein and his little sisters, Karen and Kim, live in Memphis and share the family values that made Chuck the quintessential, Christian southern gentleman that he is. He also has the support and love of the rest of his very large German family.



Chuck was married 3 times and has no children of his own. However, he is "Uncle Chuck" to many families including Mouse Mouse and Cameron Packard, Collin and Caleb Jones and the "Roberts" kids to name a few. He considered himself the God Father of Kevin's new granddaughter. He recently acquired his extended family from Jean's 2 daughters comprised of 4 grandsons, Grayson Rogers, Garrett Rogers, Eli Perkins, and Jed Perkins along with their parents, Brynn and David Rogers and Darby and John Perkins. Another Perkins grandson is on the way, due in October 2011. Chuck attended the boys' soccer games, basketball games and baseball games, had family cookouts, went on a family beach vacation and generally "hung out with my boys".



Chuck loved cars. Chuck got his love and knowledge of the car business from his Daddy who owned a used car business in Memphis. His Daddy even sold cars to Elvis! Chuck is the expert in buying and selling cars, and he often arranged for his friends to buy cars at discounted rates, especially "his church people" as he calls them. Chuck carries a Love Fund in his heart and is so very generous. He says that everything is on loan from God. Chuck shares a business with Kevin Bertinetti whom he calls "his Italian red neck little brother from another mother". Chuck also owns a car detail business with Greg Thompson and Ian Packard, which employs about 60-80 people. Chuck calls them his "families", not his employees.



Chuck has a style all his own, a combination of Neiman Marcus meets red neck casual with a little biker in the mix. His daily apparel is wearing patched worn blue jeans and a tight polo shirt or maybe a designer t-shirt, but he is never without his prized Rolex watch.



Chuck uniquely embodies the "come as your are" vision of his home church, Chase Oaks Church in Plano Texas. He serves on the First Impressions Team of ushers at the Sunday 11 o'clock service. It is his passion to make sure everyone has a seat and is settled comfortably. His big smile welcomes all as he strolls the aisles seating people. He loves his Church with a servant's heart and a joy of serving. Because Chuck has never met a stranger, he makes everyone feel special and important. Chuck loves his pastors, Jeff Jones, Gene Getz and James Roberts and often spoke of their friendship and respect. Chuck studies his Bible most mornings and has a lot of questions for his pastors, maybe bugging them a little too much.



In June of 2010, Chuck joined a Chase Oaks trip to Israel and the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked. Miracles happened there. Chuck met Jean Blaydes who was also on the trip and who also attends Chase Oaks. They became friends on the trip and shared many amazing experiences together in Israel including being baptized in the Jordan River, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying at the Wailing Wall and standing in the Garden Tomb. Many on the trip witnessed their budding romance that lasted the remaining days of Chuck's life. Many friends teased of marriage but Chuck and Jean would simply say, "We are growing our relationship!" Chuck and Jean were together non stop, traveling to Australia, enjoying Jean's family times, attending and serving at church, all the while growing their relationship. They called each other their "almost fiancée". They put God in the center of their relationship, and their love was built on His foundation. God's Grace and Master Plan united Chuck and Jean at a time when both were in need of unconditional love, support and trust. Their 14 months together is a testament to God's Love of love. Chuck died knowing he was unconditionally loved and adored and complete. He called Jean," My Princess", and she called Chuck "the love of my life". Theirs is a true love story. Chuck says to love by faith, not by fear, and that God will bless what He has done.



Chuck is survived by other: Carol E. Austein, his sisters: Caren Kennedy and Kimberly Austeinieces: Evan Austein andCaroline Salmanephew: Cameron Ridgwaypecial Friend; Jean Blaydes.

Preceded in death by Father Charles L Austein (deceased Dec. 2010).



Most remembrances of loved ones end with "Chuck will be missed". And that's true. He filled up life wherever he went. But in Chuck's case, his presence in our lives is so vibrant, so dynamic that his smile will live on forever in every place that his name is spoken. His smile lights up our hearts with the mention of his name. We have learned from Chuck to love God, to believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, to love by faith not by fear, to glorify God in all you do, and to live each day like it is your last.



But most of all, Chuck taught us to smile.



A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 6, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Chase Oaks Church in the Legacy Room, 281 Legacy Drive Plano, TX. 75023



If desired, donations may be made to Chase Oaks Church for the Love Fund.