Austin Eugene Arnett (November 3, 1998-January 22, 2023)

Welcome

Obituary

Austin Eugene Arnett of Cordele passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Crisp Regional Hospital at the age of 24. He was born in Cordele and was the son of Paul Arnett and the late Lindsey Brown McCarty. Austin was a service technician at Star Gas. He attended Crisp Academy and Fullington Academy. Austin enjoyed the outdoors and UGA football. He had a big heart and loved his family. He had a very special love for his sisters, his niece Kollins Butterworth, and cousin Brantley Brown. Austin and his mother had a deep love for each other and were each others hearts. He is survived by his father and his wife Paul and Susan Arnett of Cordele; step-father Mike McCarty of Cordele; step-brother Michael McCarty of Cordele; sister and her fiance Kayleigh Arnett and Conner Butterworth; sister Kinley Arnett; sister Kylie Arnett; sister Kassi-Leigh Arnett; maternal grandfather Dale Brown; paternal grandparents Gene and Debra Arnett; paternal grandparents Becky and Tony Brown; great grandfather Marshall Brown; several aunts,uncles and cousins. Austin was preceded in death by his mother Lindsey Brown McCarty and grandmother Sheila Brown.

Prayer

1st Song (When I get where I’m going)

Eulogy

As I sat with Paul and Dale the other night I quickly realized that today’s memorial service was going to be bitter sweet. Nobody in here will argue that Austin will be greatly missed. And it’s a sad day when you loose someone that was loved as much as Austin was, but that’s not where we’re going to rest. From where I’m sitting and the family would agree, Austin will be remembered for so much more than his past mistakes. Austin will be remembered for how big he loved. Sure, we all have setbacks and struggles and Austin’s were no different. But to know Austin, was to love him. As I sat with Paul and Dale it was obvious that Austin had a miraculous turn around May 17th, 2022. That was the night that forever sealed his destination for eternity. On that night, Austin surrendered his life to King Jesus. Does that mean he didn’t still struggle. Certainly not. You see, when we come to Jesus, our new life begins. But before I talk about his new life, allow me to tell you some of the old memories of Austin. The memories we must hold onto.

he’s short but he’s fat

always say I love you

mamma's boy

extremely smart (show up to school a couple times a week and still make outstanding grades)

Dale said he knew just enough to be dangerous

The boy could win an argument with a stop sign

This brings me to my memories of Austin.

ready to tell the world his story

loved Cr

last memory raising his hands during worship with tears coming down his cheeks worshipping Jesus

We know that Austin is in a better place and that is where we must all find rest.

Introduce Justin McCalla

2nd Song (Come As You Are)

Message

On May 17th Austin came as he was. He laid down his burdens and his past mistakes. He found comfort in a community of believers at Celebrate Recovery. He found a place that accepted people no matter how jacked up they were. And through Celebrate Recovery, he found Jesus. Praise God for that.

In Job 14:14 Job asked the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?”

The Word of God is abundant and clear in answering this question.

John 11:25 NKJV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Let me explain to you what happens when a Christian dies?

We leave our bodies and take up residence somewhere else.

Death is not the end of life.

At death we don’t leave home, we go home! What we need to understand about life is that it is a temporary assignment!

And it doesn’t stop there, it gets better.

It says we gain a better home.

John 14:2–6 NKJV

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Death is a decided fact, a defeated foe, a delightful friend.

I hesitate for a moment to call death a friend, but it’s the truth.

Death for the believer is just transportation to heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:1–2 NKJV

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,

to the Christian, death is nothing more than a change in the environment

Often doctors will tell patients to move to certain locations because where they are now, affected them physically!

Hey, this is what the Great Physician does, and Austin would want you to know this.

The year of death is the year of release for the Christian.

Release from pain, sorrow, sickness, and worry.

When Austin breathed his last he was immediately ushered into the presence of God Himself

2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

What a thought!

Paul gave what I call the Christians view of death in:

Philippians 1:21 NKJV

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

We don’t just die and go no where. You spent eternity somewhere!

Austin would want you to understand this!

We are not promised tomorrow!

Especially those of us that are in active addiction.

There were 34 overdose deaths in Crisp County last year. That’s almost 3 per month.

There have been 10 since December and 4 in the past week.

Though death appears to be the enemy and in truth, is feared by most, we believe death is nothing more than a ride home.

On January 22, 2023 Austin got a ride home.

This doesn’t have to be goodbye, just goodnight.

Austin would want me to ask you, “Are you prepared to meet Jesus?”

Let us pray

Give invitation