Tony Austin March 9, 1946 - February 10, 2021
February 15, 2021 It is with enduring sadness we announce the passing of Tony Austin, our longtime colleague and friend. Tony’s family informed us he passed peacefully, surrounded by family. We mourn his loss and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Tony’s journey with the Lake Toxaway Company began in 1986 when Tony was brought on board as a marketing consultant during a key development period of Lake Toxaway Estates. Tony’s role, over the years, evolved into serving as our marketing director before becoming a successful real estate broker, a role he was still active in at the time of his passing. We were consistently impressed by Tony’s instinct for making connections, his marketing savvy, and commitment to his community. Always authentic, Tony was known for his disarming wit, boundless energy and enthusiastic work ethic. However, as much as we valued Tony as a real estate broker, our relationships with Tony extended beyond the boundaries of work, each of us treasured him as a dear friend. Closings were celebrated with martinis at the Lake Toxaway Country Club where he would entertain us for hours with his trademark humor. Tony found joy in every project he approached, from his involvement in the Historic Toxaway Foundation, Friends of Panthertown Board, organizing the Great American Eclipse tourism boost, and so on. We would encourage him to slow down, take some time for himself, and Tony would happily ignore all our suggestions and dive, right back, into the multitudes of projects that captivated his intellectually curious mind. A student of history, Tony enjoyed researching the history of his beloved Lake Toxaway to share with enraptured guests aboard the Miss Lucy on evening Greystone Inn champagne cruises. Tony often told us, being the Captain of Miss Lucy was one of his favorite pastimes as he was able to meet new people and share his wonder of the history and beauty of Lake Toxaway. An avid hiker, known by his branded persona, Toxaway Tony, he was recognized far and wide for his extensive knowledge of Panthertown Valley. For years, Tony led organized hikes, weather permitting, each Friday in his treasured Panthertown Valley, the Gorges State Park, or in the Pisgah National Forest. Tony served on the Friends of Panthertown Board of Trustees since 2012. Tony frequently relayed, with pride, his love for his family. We always enjoyed Tony’s updates on his son, Jeff, his daughter in law Coby, and later his beloved grandchildren, Petra and Adrian. Tony’s sister Ellen, was also a frequent visitor to the mountains and dearly loved by her brother. Tony was a man who cherished his family, his friendships, and his community. The entire Lake Toxaway Company family is grateful for Tony’s life and the years he shared with us. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Austin family, his many friends, hiking pals, clients, and all who knew and loved him. Lake Toxaway has lost a great leader and friend. He will be deeply missed.
Notes of condolences for Tony’s family may be sent to this address: The Austin Family 930 Ferncrest Drive Durham NC 27705 In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation in Tony’s memory be made to the Friends of Panthertown. Donations may be made online by visiting https://panthertown.org/ The family will keep us informed of a public celebration of life to be held at a later date due to ongoing Coronavirus concerns.