AUGUSTA, Ga. - Leon Rhodes Austin, an Augusta musician and one of the last links to James Brown early life, died Thursday, June 12, 2008 from medical complications at home. He was 74. Funeral services will be conducted this Monday, June 23, 2008 at the United House of Prayer with Reverend J. R. Hatney presiding and Reverend Al Sharpton officiating. Visitation will be today from 2 to 6 P.M. at C.A. Reid Sr. Memorial Funeral Home and the remains will lie in state at the United House of Prayer from 5:00 P.M. until the hour of service. Mr. Austin leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Mrs. Emma Austin; children, Mrs. Beverly (Edward) Rohan, Marilyn "Gina" Banks, Myra White, and Patrick Dion Austin; six grandchildren; brothers, Elder Ernest (Carolyn) Rhodes of Augusta, GA, Calvin (Moria) Jackson of Greensboro, NC, and James (Shirley) Wiggins of Augusta, GA; sisters, Mrs. Archie Belle Ellington of Waterbury, CT, Mrs. Jeanette (James) Parker of Clinton, NC, and Mrs. Marian Petrucci of Waterbury, CT; and many other relatives, and sorrowing friends.

The Augusta Chronicle-June 22, 2008