Thomas “Tommy” Lee Austin, 42, of Waynesboro, Virginia, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on September 10, 1983, in Manassas, Virginia.

He was a 2002 graduate of Waynesboro High School. Tommy was a very strong Christian. He enjoyed sharing his faith online or while visiting residents in nursing homes. He loved to work with children and to pray with them. When Pastor Steve Via asked Tommy to pray for members of his congregation, Tommy was always obedient, never hesitating to help a friend. He worked with the Global Puppet Ministry for several years. Tommy worked with dogs and enjoyed going to dog pulling competitions. He was a Maude for a radio station and enjoyed wrestling events.

He is survived by his parents, Alice Annette Austin Heatwole and Galen Anthony  Heatwole, Jr., of Waynesboro; aunts and uncles, Charles T. Austin of Balsam, North Carolina. William B. Austin & wife Phyllis of Waynesville, North Carolina, Griffith  Austin, Jr. & wife Anne of Charlottesville, Virginia, Garland Heatwole and wife Tina of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, and Donna Falls and husband Romey of Fishersville, Virginia.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Springdale Mennonite Church with Pastor Jerry Steele officiating. Interment will follow in Springdale Mennonite Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Austin, William Austin, Griffith Austin, Garland Heatwole, Randy Morris, and Tim Keyes.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Springdale Mennonite Church.

The family suggest donations be made to Spina Bifada Association, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Wounded Soldier, Ronald McDonald House, Susan G. Komen Foundation.