Dr. William "Bill" Elliott Austin

On October 1, 2023, Dr. William Elliott Austin, age 73, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and three daughters.  Bill was born on April 15, 1950, in Bluefield, VA, to the late J. Olin & Vera Elizabeth Austin.  He was preceded in death by his son, Luke Olin Austin and his granddaughter, Faith Lynn Bourquin. 

The family grew up in Bluefield, VA and Bill went on to attend the University of Virginia.  Following graduation, Bill attended the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and proudly graduated medical school in three years.  Bill then moved to Winston-Salem where he completed his residency at Wake Forest.  In 1980, Bill joined Salem Gastroenterology, where he committed his life to caring for his patients over the last 43 years.   

Bill is survived by his wife, Julie of 39 years; daughters, Amanda Hummel (Andy) of Raleigh, Anna Givens (Nathan) of Charlotte, and Julie-Lynn Bourquin (Mike) of Durham; grandchildren, Alexander, Robert, Davis, Mary-Rane, Eloise, Miller, Wells, Stafford, Walker, Paige, and Tyson.  To his 11 grandchildren, Bill was known as “Doctor Grandpa or DG”.  He is survived by his brothers; Rudy Austin (Betty) of Pinehurst, Lane Austin (Peggy) of Princeton, WV, and Vera Lee Austin of Bluefield, VA. He was loved by one niece and many nephews.  In addition to the numerous patients’ lives he touched; Bill was loved by numerous family friends.  The family would like to express appreciation for the love and care Bill received from adopted son-in-law, Chad Bourquin.  

Over the past few years, Bill has found so much joy in joining friends and colleagues to play keyboard in their band, “Guilty Party”.  Bill adored Bruce Springsteen, reading, family beach trips and watching those around him have a good time.