William Harvey Austin

William Harvey Austin passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at home with family in Gainesville GA.

Born in Peru, Indiana on April 10, 1936, to parents Ruth and William Austin, he was a deeply thoughtful man with an excellent memory, an innate understanding of mathematics and an abiding interest in philosophy, science and religion.

After graduating from West High School in Rochester, NY, Bill attended Wesleyan University, Yale University and studied abroad in England. With his Doctorate from Yale, he began his teaching career at Rice University. He then moved to University of Houston where he taught for many years before retiring as Emeritus Professor of Philosophy. He was the author of multiple academic articles, one book and was writing a second book. He also was the recipient of a course award from the Center for Theology and Natural Sciences.

After retirement he moved to Santa Fe, NM where he wrote, read books and explored the Southwest. In addition, he loved and travelled to Scotland, England and Canada. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Fe since 2008 and of their Humanist group.

Bill is survived by his sister, JoAnn Miner; brother-in-law, John W. Insley Jr. and wife Mary Lou; niece, Ruth Schuman; nephew, Jack Miner; niece, Kristine Roa and husband, Mark Roa; nephew, John W. Insley III and wife, Amy; 8 great nieces and nephews and their children.

Ceremonies of remembrance will be held later at the home of Mark and Kris Roa and at his church in Santa FE, NM.

Those wishing to send an online condolence to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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