Austin Christopher Childers

Austin Christopher Childers, 23, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, surrounded by his family and friends at Pine Pointe Hospice. Austin was a young man of great courage, who inspired everyone around him with his faith and joy for living. Even those who never met Austin were inspired by his story and the legacy he will leave. He touched many lives.

He lost his 12-year battle with mitochondrial disease, but he far out-lived his expectations. Several years ago, he put "living to see his 21st birthday'' on his bucket list. His greatest honor was knowing and loving the Lord. He maintained a positive attitude, lifting the spirits of those around him, despite his constant pain and suffering. His wonderful smile will be missed.

Austin showed his love for baseball and threw his family a curve ball the day he was born on Oct. 8, 1990. All the medical tests before his arrival indicated he was going to be a girl. His parents had already picked out a name - Kristen Ashley Childers - and decorated the nursery in pink. But he arrived 100 percent boy. He loved all sports, watching movies in his "man cave,'' and big-game hunting with his father, Chris, and brother, Garrett.

He was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease when he was playing football at First Presbyterian Day School in the seventh grade. Although he never played again, he attended every practice and every game when he was able. In August 2013, the school named its football field "Austin Childers Field,'' and Austin was able to attend the dedication.

The family would like to thank all those who followed Austin's journey and kept him in their prayers. Our hearts are heavy but we are at peace knowing he is no longer in pain.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, March 9, 2014, at the Worship Center at Ingleside Baptist Church. The family will greet friends Friday, March 7, 2014, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Austin Childers Field at First Presbyterian Day School.

Austin is survived by his parents, Ashley and Chris Childers; brother, Garrett Childers; maternal grandfather, Bill Jones; paternal grandparents, Knox and Janelle Childers; aunts and uncles, Doug and Gay Jones, and Robin and John Orlando; and cousins, Alex and Reagan Jones, and Anna and Katie Battle. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Diane Jones.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Day School, Austin Childers Field Fund, 5671 Calvin Drive, Macon, GA 31210.

Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.

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