Robert Austin Porter

Austin Porter entered into his eternal rest and peace on Monday, September 14. It was far too soon for those that loved him but Providence intervened and to Him we painfully submit.

Austin was first and foremost a beloved child of God, chosen by His Redeemer for the sake of His glory and grace. The words of one of Austin's favorite songs, Nailed to the Cross, captures this well. "That I am not a man condemned, for Jesus Christ is my defense. My sin is nailed to the cross, my soul is healed by the scars, the weight of guilt I bear no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord."

Austin was also one of the three biggest blessings that ever happened to his parents, Rob and Tonya, and was equally special to his dear sisters, Mary Elizabeth and Katherine. He was the son parents pray and yearn for and the kind of young man that you would hope your daughter would marry. Austin was gentle, tender hearted, quick to laugh, great with children, well-mannered, loving, affectionate, and cared deeply for those around him, even when he could not always get those words out to those he loved. He was well-spoken, articulate and had a quick wit that kept you on your toes and kept you laughing. He brought joy to those around and he was the consummate gentleman. He had a childlike curiosity, a playful spirit and never thought of himself as a trend follower but marched to different rhythms in life. His parents took joy in that because he was unlike any other. He was special. Very special. Austin was passionate about his interests. He was an avid reader, loved all things about Japanese culture including literature, anime, music and games and enjoyed video games. Austin was a deep thinker and keen observer. He lived life on the periphery, but he was the center of the world to those who knew him best.

Austin leaves behind a trail of ministry, service and love that may not seem traditional but for those who were on the receiving end of it, they will never forget it or him.

There are many people, too numerous to mention by name, that have been like family to Austin. But one stands above the rest: his best friend, David Dunlap. Austin loved him like a brother and Austin's family loves David like one of their own. Their friendship embodied everything that was attractive and good about Austin and we will cherish those memories forever, as we know David will too.

Austin was employed at Brooklyn Pizzeria in Pendleton and he loved his "pizza family" there with all of his heart and soul. He quickly endeared himself to them and they were dear to him. He bestowed some of his highest honors to those who worked there, including Lisa, whom he said over and over again acted and thought so much like his mother. A real compliment indeed.

Austin reserved the deepest of his affections and love for his mother. The incomparable love of a young man for his mother was never more present than Austin with his mom. A consummate momma's boy he was never embarrassed to show her affection, publicly or privately. He would do anything for her and he always knew she was committed with all of her heart to him and pursued him with a profound love that will never stop, even though he is no longer here in this world.
Austin loved his dear dad. Austin reserved his greatest compliment for him in his last letter to his family. "Dad, thank you for being the best dad anyone's ever had and a model of what I should have been!" Oh son, you were well on your way to being a hundredfold the man I ever was.

Austin also dearly loved his sisters. He was fiercely proud of his sister, Mary Elizabeth. He yearned for her to be confident in her many accomplishments and to be true to herself. He knew she has many gifts and we know he would be so thrilled to see her share those gifts with the world. Katherine was his little protégé. Alike in so many ways, they shared long talks in his room, showed interest in one another's interests and would just smile when she did or said something that would make his parents exclaim, "she's a little Austin!"

Austin is also survived by his dear grandmother, "Memaw", Edna Porter. What a blessing from the Lord for you to spend these last two months with Austin in the same community. He loved you always and he never shied from you spoiling him, but he knew that was your way of showing your intense love for him.

The family would like to thank all of the members, past and present of Clemson Presbyterian Church. You have not only committed yourself to helping us raise our son in the fear and admonition of the Lord, but you have helped us grieve the loss of not just Austin, but our daughter Grace as well. We will never be able to repay the debt of love and gratitude we owe you for showing us what the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus looks like.

Austin taught and inspired us more than we can ever realize. His death has left us all crushed but not defeated, shaken but not let loosed. For we are in the grip of the One who will hold us fast and it is His comfort that we seek and we shall find.

In that same song, it says, "When my doubt and shame hang over me, like the arrows of the enemy I will run again to Calvary, that rugged hill of Hell's defeat, my fortress and my victory." Austin has run now not unto Calvary but into the very arms of the One who died for him there. We cannot wait to see you again.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church. 890 Old Stone Church Rd. Clemson, SC 29631. https://www.givelify.com/givenow/1.0/Mzg0NDE=/selection

A funeral service for Austin Porter will be on Saturday, September 19 at 11am in the Worship Center. Continue to pray for Rob, Tonya, Mary Elizabeth, and Katherine as they grieve.

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********WE ARE SORRY, BUT DUE TO THE LIMITED NUMBER OF GUESTS THAT CAN BE PRESENT FOR THE SERVICE OUR CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED. *********

***This isn't the way we want to do funerals, but we are still in a pandemic so we have to find ways to do the best we can to move towards each other. Much like Sunday indoor services, capacity will be limited to 180 people and we'll wear masks during the service.