Jarvis Dale "Jay" Auton

Jarvis Dale ‘Jay’ Auton, age 74, of Purlear, passed away Friday, August 9, 2024 at his home.  Born October 28, 1949 in Watauga County, he was a son of William Dale and Virginia Auton.  He served honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam Era.  Jay was a man of few words but he spoke from his heart.  He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

He was employed at Shuford Mills in Dudley Shoals for a number of years before retiring after 20 years’ service with the North Carolina Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator. 

Jay is survived by his wife, Polly Richards Auton of the home; son, Chris Miller and wife, Sabrenia, of Lenoir; daughters, Missy May Walker of Lenoir and Tonnie Miller of Dudley Shoals; step-sons, Ricky Munday of Vilas and Derek Munday of West Jefferson; special sister-in-law, Janette Faw of Boone; sister, Mary Lou Calloway of Dudley Shoals; and brothers, Bill Auton and wife, Sandra, of Hudson, Carl Auton and Jimmy Auton, both of Lenoir; 8 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; and his pet dog and constant companion, Lily Bug.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bud Auton and his sister, Beatrice Massingill.

Funeral services with Military Honors for Jay Auton will be conducted Thursday afternoon, August 15th, at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Brian Auton and Rev. Lane Roark.  Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 130. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes.  Graveside services will follow in the Jont Brown Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Auton family.

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