Artreil Austin

Artreil Austin was born on August 27, 1971, in Rochester, New York, and was lovingly reared in Thomasville, Georgia. He was the cherished son of Geraldine and Melvin Johnson and the late Richard Harris. From an early age, Artreil's life reflected deep family roots, faith, and a joy that would touch everyone he encountered.

Raised in a strong religious environment, Artreil was baptized at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, where his faith was nurtured and reflected in the way he lived, loved, and served others.

A proud graduate of Thomasville High School, Class of 1991, Artreil was a standout among standouts—known for his athleticism, charisma, and infectious sense of humor. He later attended Stillman College. He was blessed with a tight-knit circle of brothers—friendships formed early and sustained for a lifetime—bound by loyalty, laughter, and love.

On June 5, 1998, Artreil married his high school love, Saundra Davis, beginning a beautiful friendship that blossomed into a lifelong partnership grounded in devotion. Together, they built a home filled with joy and purpose and were blessed with five beloved children. He adored his children and grandchildren, finding his greatest pride and happiness in being present, engaged, and deeply involved in their lives.

Artreil’s career took several paths, but the work that defined much of his life was trucking—a profession he dedicated more than 25 years to with diligence and pride. In later years, he continued serving his community through part-time work with Hatcher Peoples Funeral Home.

To know Artreil was to know laughter. He was a devoted husband who loved his wife fiercely, a father who spoiled his children and grandchildren with care, cooking, cleaning, play, and presence, and a friend whose humor could lift spirits even in the darkest moments. He had a rare gift: the ability to see sunshine in the midst of any storm and to help others see it too.

If asked what he loved most, the answer was simple—his family, especially his grandchildren, and making people laugh. Humor was his compass, joy his language, and love his legacy.

Artreil leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love and cherished memories. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Saundra; his children, Jazmine Austin (Thomasville, GA), Sierra Derico (Valdosta, GA), Dominique Willis (Jacksonville, FL), Jamaya Austin (Valdosta, GA), and Sophie Davis (Thomasville, GA); grandchildren, Kyson and Keelan Rose (Valdosta, GA), and Zion Willis (Jacksonville, FL); parents, Melvin and Geraldine Johnson (Thomasville, GA).

Cousins: Ada Harris, Patricia Elliott, Sandra Bowman, Idella Harris, Matthew Simmons (Thomasville, GA).

Aunts: Yvonne Everett (Columbus, GA); Shirley Wilson (Cocoa, FL); Tamie Austin; Sandra Austin.

Uncles: Talmadge Austin (Patricia); Phillip Austin; Shawn Austin (Aliya) (Atlanta, GA).

Loving Goddaughters: Wan’Tajah and Wy’kiyah Morris.

Beloved family cousins: The Austin, Davis, and Harris families.

Special Best Friend and Support Dog: Reese.

Special Inner Circle of Friends: Landis Rollins, Roscoe Ross, Terry Fredrick, Tyrone Garland, Allen Wilson, Tim Jones, Bill Morris, Buddy Roe, Willie Jefferson, Mark Futch, George Thompson, Bogan Twins, Eddie Myrick, Frank Williams, Tommy Howard, Spencer Wilson, Stephon Lundy, Dollar Bill.

This brotherhood and these treasured friends will forever carry his laughter forward.

Though he has transitioned from this life, Artreil’s spirit lives on within us—in every smile he inspired, every heart he warmed, and every life he touched.