AUGUSTA, Ga. - Leon Rhodes Austin, an Augusta musician and one of the last links to James Brown's early life, died Thursday, June 12, 2008 from complications to his home. He was 74. Mr. Austin leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Emma Austin; children, Mrs. Beverly (Edward) Rohan, Marilyn "Gina" Banks, Myra White and Patrick Dion Austin; six grandchildren; brothers, Elder Ernest (Carolyn) Rhodes, Augusta, Calvin (Moria) Jackson, Greensboro, N.C. and James (Shirley) Wiggins, Augusta; sisters, Mrs. Archie Belle Ellington, Waterbury, Conn., Mrs. Jeanette (James) Parker, Clinton, N.C. and Mrs. Marian Petrucci, Waterbury; and many, many other relatives and sorrowing friends. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-June 15, 2008