[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LATE DOCTOR JESSE W. AUSTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2001

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late 
Doctor Jesse W. Austin, Sr., a constituent of mine who passed away on 
Monday, February 12, 2001, at his residence in Forest, Mississippi. Dr. 
Austin, affectionately known as ``Doctor Bill'', was 84 years of age at 
the time of his death and had been a practicing physician in the City 
of Forest and Scott County for more than 39 years.
  Doctor Bill was born in Osyka, Mississippi in 1916 but moved to 
Forest in 1924. He graduated from Forest High School in 1934, 
Mississippi State University in 1938, and Tulane Medical School in 
1942. Shortly after graduating from Tulane, Doctor Bill entered the 
United States Army and served with the U.S. 3rd Army in Europe as a 
Battalion Surgeon. He participated in 5 major battles which began with 
the Normandy Invasion and ended in Yugoslavia on VE Day. Doctor Bill's 
service decorations included the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the 
Purple Heart. At the Battle of the Bulge, he was known as the 
``Battling Surgeon.''
  Upon returning from Service in 1945, Doctor Bill began his medical 
practice with his father, Doctor R.B. Austin, II. At that time, most 
patient care was done either at the patient's home or in the doctor's 
office. It was not unusual for Doctor Bill to spend most of his day 
making house calls and treating patients. He had a bedside manner with 
his patients that truly reflected his love and concern for their well-
being. Because of his caring attitude, Doctor Bill endeared himself to 
all the residents of Forest and Scott County that lasted until his 
final day of life. During his medical career, Doctor Bill delivered 
more than 3500 babies, most of whom were born at home.
  Doctor Bill served as the first president of the Mississippi Chapter 
of the Battle of the Bulge Veterans. It was he who stepped forward in 
1994 to provide the leadership to form the state's first Battle of the 
Bulge Veterans group and helped organize the inaugural meeting of the 
group in Forest. He was a member of the Forest United Methodist Church 
and was an ardent Mississippi State University supporter. He was also a 
member and past president of the Central Medical Society. Doctor Bill 
was active in civic affairs and he and his wife were honored as 
Forest's ``Citizens of the Year'' and named grand marshals of the 
Christmas Parade in 1984.
  Doctor David Lee, a medical colleague of Doctor Bill said that ``he 
was one of the best general practitioners I've known. He was one of the 
most dedicated doctor I've been associated with.'' Doctor Howard Clark, 
a physician from Morton, Mississippi said both Doctor Bill and his 
father were wonderful doctors stating, ``They were down-to-earth, 
ethical, people loving doctors.'' Sid Salter, editor of the Scott 
County Times said, ``Doctor Bill died as he lived--a well loved and 
respected man. He did not talk patriotism, he lived it. He did not talk 
of healing. He used his head, heart and hands to bring it about in his 
fellow man regardless of their race, creed, color, or economic status. 
He did not speak of his service to mankind. He simply rendered it day 
by day.''
  Doctor Bill is survived by his wife Opal, daughters Sue Thigpen and 
Judy Webb, sons J. W. ``Ace'' Richard and Terry, their husband and 
wives, 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and many nieces and 
nephews. Doctor Bill was a great man. He loved the Lord, his family, 
his friends, his country, his state, and by all means Forest and Scott 
County. He served others to the best of his ability. It is my honor to 
pay tribute and express my appreciation and that of the 3rd 
Congressional District of Mississippi for his life of service and 
contributions to the betterment of our nation and all mankind.

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