Dr. Paul Orestis Austin, Jr., DMD, MS, 68, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at his home after a courageous three year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paul was born in Newton, NC to Paul Orestis Austin, Sr. and Dorothy Bridges Austin on March 11, 1947. Thereafter, he moved to Greensboro, NC and graduated from Grimsley High School in 1965. He attended college at North Carolina State University and graduated in 1969 with a B.S. in Textiles and a Minor in Math and Economics. After a brief stint as a project engineer for Allied Chemical Corporation in Hopewell, VA, he reported to flight training in Meridian, MS where he earned his "Wings of Gold" as a Naval Aviator. Afterwards, he served as a flight instructor in VT-4 (advanced jets) in Pensacola, FL and as a ground school instructor at Naval Aviation Schools Command. In 1977, he left active duty in order to attend dental school. Paul received his DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) in 1981 from The University of Florida. He subsequently earned a Master's Degree in orthodontics and dental facial orthopedics at The University of Tennessee in 1983.

Dr. Austin proudly opened his practice, Austin Orthodontics, in Pensacola, FL in 1983. He was held in high esteem by his staff, his patients, and his peers. In 1994, he retired from the Naval Reserve as a Commander, and in 2013 he sold his orthodontic practice and officially retired in October of 2015 from the career that he loved.

Over the years, Paul was involved in many community organizations including Five Flags Rotary, Order of Tristan, Rebellaires, and the 1998 Fiesta Court of Deluna. He was also a member of Christ Church, Pensacola. He was an avid tennis player who loved his "old guys" tennis group and was honored to be named the first Life Member by the "Under the Hill" League.
Paul will be remembered as a warm and caring man who touched the lives of all who knew him. He loved his family dearly and was a great friend to many. He was passionate about travel, literature, the military, animals, and University of Florida football. He was a consummate southern gentleman and an adoring husband to Laura.

Survivors include his wife, Laura Hanahan Austin; stepsons, Grayson Miller and LaBruce Miller of Pensacola; his son, Huntley Montgomery; and his daughter, Kyle Montgomery.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Orestis Austin, Sr. and Dorothy Bridges Austin of Greensboro, NC; and his former wife, Corliss Kell Austin.

Paul was especially grateful for his oncologist, Dr. Tom Sunnenberg and his nurse, Shannon Cassidy and his oncology nurse, MaryLou Cosby, for their compassionate care.

A Remembrance Service will be held 11:00am Friday, January 15, 2016 at Christ Church, Pensacola. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Donations may be made in Paul's memory to Covenant Care, the Humane Society of Pensacola, or the charity of your choice.