A Celebration of Life for Brother Leon Austin "The Burner"

SUNRISE
March 22, 1934
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SUNSET
June 12, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
7:00 P.M.
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Apostle C. M. McClain
1269 Wrightsboro Road - Augusta, Georgia
Pastor Al Sharpton - Officiating
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Prelude
................Pastor J. R. Hatney
Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church
...................House of Prayer
............Chaplain Tommy Cox
Augusta Richmond County Fire Department
New Testament...............................................................Pastor Archie Waltower
Richmond Hill Baptist Church
Prayer................................................................................Pastor Larry Fryer
Mulberry C.M.E. Church
Musical Selection ....................................................................House of Prayer
Memorial Salute in Song (Please Limit all Selection to 1 Song, 1 Verse)
Musical Presentations By: Fred Perrin
Richardine & Elizabeth Holmes
Minister Derrick Monk
Processional
Presiding .......
Hymn of Praise ..
Scripture Lessons
Old Testament.
Special Presentation
Musical Selection ....
Tribute ...........
Song ..............
Obituary .........
Acknowledgements .
Words of Comfort ....
Selection .........
Eulogy ...........
.. Lucy C. Laney Class of 1955
.............House of Prayer
.............Charles Bobbitt
Special Friend & Musical Associate
.......The Gordon Brothers
Elder Percy Griffin
........To Be Read Silently
....Mrs. Clevetta H. Jackson
....Apostle C. M. McClain
House of Prayer
.............House of Prayer
.......Minister A1 Sharpton
Special Friend
Recessional
March 22,1934 - June 12, 2008
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on his tombstone from the
beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of his birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but
he said what mattered the most of all urns the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that
he spent alive on earth ... and now only those who loved him knozv what that little line is worth. For it matters
not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash, what matters is how we live and love, and how ive spend
our dash. So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never knozv hozv
much time is left that can still be rearranged. Ifzve could slozv dozen enough to consider zvhat's true and real,
and ifzve be slozv to anger, shozv appreciation and more love to the people in our lives. Ifzve treat each other zvith
respect, and more often zvear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little zvhile. So, when
our eulogy is read zvith our life's actions to rehash ... We'll be proud of things they say about hozv zve spent our
DASH!
A Lion of Judah
FYI:
In the event that you did not realize the strength of my husband, I'd like to say that I witnessed the strength of
the Lion of Judah, with endurance beyond belief He was a man of great character and strength with uncondi-
tional love for his family and his friends right up to the end. Always willing to come to the aid and support the
needs of others, from a child's cry to a little old lady's need for a hug.
In loving memory of my husband, we can all echo that the memory of his strength will live on in the hearts and
minds of all who were privileged to know him. People are only complete when they have a true friend to under-
stand them, to share all their passions and sorrows with and to stand by them throughout their lives . ..
That was my husband, my friend, my lover, my sweetie . . .
Forever, Mrs. Emma (Leon) Austin
March 22,1934, was the day of the earthly birth of Mr. Leon The Burner Rhodes Austin. At an early
age, Leon received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist
Church by Pastor Calhoun. His GOD-given musical gift was nurtured and thrived in a Christian environment at
home and church. Leon received limited formal piano training and played by ear. What he heard he practiced
and played. When others sang, Leon heard the notes (in perfect pitch) and was able to establish voice ar-
rangements. Leon could sing all vocal parts. This led to his playing for a youth group (The Mello-Tones) by the
age of nine, later organizing his own gospel group, The Swanee Juniors. Leon played for numerous major
gospel singers and groups. Some of whom include: Pastor James Cleveland, Albertina Walker and the Cara-
vans, and Sister Pope and the Pearly Gates. A little known fact is that Leon was responsible for encouraging the
world-famous Swanee Quintet to add a dramatic effect to their great sound by including a bass guitar in the
rhythm section. To our knowledge that was a first for any gospel groups sound. Other little known facts about
Leon are that he taught Mr. James The Godfather of Soul Brown how to play the piano with both hands, and
introduced him to the musical style of the House of Prayer. Their life-long friendship developed from a third
grade school introduction at Silas X. Floyd Elementary.
While in high school at Lucy C. Laney, Leon became renown as an athlete. He earned the honorable
title of Captain of the football team. His speed on the track set many records, one of which has not been broken
to-date. His athletic skill earned him the respect and friendship of the likes of Pastor Jesse L. Jackson.
After graduating from Laney, Leon pursued his other career of Master Barber/Hair Stylist at Voorhees
Technical College. Leons Barber and Beauty Shop was so successful on the Golden Blocks (later known as
The Block) that it became the first stop for the whos who of famous, infamous, and plain good folk from coast
to coast.
The close, personal relationship of James Brown and Leon over the years led The Burner into the
secular music world. Leons first band was named Leon Austin and The Buicks. Did you know they performed
at the famous Apollo Theatres amateur night? Leon said they would have won the competition if one of the
group members had not become overly excited and stayed on stage a little too long singing their original song,
Hula Hoop.
Later in life Leon returned to his first love - playing for the church. As he said, giving back to GOD what
He gave to me -- my musical abilities. He was deemed the preachers piano player for his unique ability for
playing the hoop. During this period, Leon worked in the recording studio with many of the local gospel groups
including the Spirits of Harmony and the Dixie Jubilaires.
February 2006, began another phase of lifes journey for Leon. People that he had not seen for many
years were sent by GOD to encourage him. Reminding him of things that he did for them and how much they
loved and appreciated his generous spirit.
He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Emma L. Austin; children, Patrick Dion Austin, Mrs. Beverly
(Edward) Rohan, Marilyn Gina Banks, and Myra White; grandchildren, Alexis, Chastity, Eric, Jamil, Timothy,
and Yancy; brothers, Elder Ernest (Carolyn) Rhodes and James (Shirley) Wiggins and Calvin (Moria) Jackson,
Greensboro, NC; sisters, Mrs. Archie Belle Ellington, Waterbury, CT; Mrs. Jeanette (James) Parker, Clinton, NC
and Mrs.Marian Petrucci, and Waterbury, CT; adopted brothers and sisters, Oscar (Dee) Irvin, Washington, DC,
Herman Robinson, Minister Norma Miller, and Juanita Kelly; aunt, Mrs. Eunice Rhodes, Waterbury, CT; adopted
sons and daughters, Minister Ronald Norwood, Fred (Fatima) Perrin, Patricia Tweedy Pinnock, Antoinette
Williams, Glynnis Lewis, Atlanta, GA; devoted cousins, Robert (Betty) Parks, Mrs. Alretha P. Berrien, Mrs. Rhonda
(Curtis) Berrien Shubert, Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Rhodes, Jr., Waterbury, CT and James (Jimmy) Young; godchil-
dren, LaRhonda Berrien, Eve Elizabeth A. Holmes, Atlanta, GA, Dominick Holmes, Jr., Atlanta, GA and Donnyell
Miller; faithful and devoted friends, Brother James Walker, Deacon & Mrs. Roosevelt Sarge Walker, Mr. & Mrs.
J.R. Riles, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bobbitt, Atlanta, GA, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Rhaney, Mrs. Clevetta H. Jackson, Allendale,
SC, Elder Willie Williams, Savannah, GA, and Mr. & Mrs. William General, Columbia, SC; and a host of other
relatives and sorrowing friends.
Leon dedicated his life to being a friend to the friendless, and family to most...
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The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Minister Dr. James M. Ford and the entire staff of
Wrens Medical Center. Thanks also to the many doctors, support nurses and therapists of: Doctors Hospital /
University Hospital / Trinity Hospital / St. Josephs Hospital and Winyah Home Health Services.
To: All pastors, ministers, supportive and loving friends and neighbors who prayed, and rendered words of
comfort both natural and spiritual to both Leon and myself . . .
To: The Administrative officers of The United House of Prayer - Apostle C.M. McClain, Elder George Young,
Elder Willie Williams, and The United House of Prayer Music Ministry.
To: The Augusta Richmond County Fire Department
Professional Services Entrusted To
C . stf. fylru/. OJr. iMmumal- '////<'
314-A Laney Walker Boulevard Extension - Augusta, Georgia
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