Rincon – Austin N. Exley, 85, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 peacefully at his home.

The Effingham County native was a retired manager from Southern Bell Telephone Company after 40 years of service and he served in the Air National Guard as Staff Sgt.  He was a brother of the Frank F. Baker Lodge No. 46 and was a member of Countryside Baptist Church.  Austin was also the valedictorian of Rincon High School Class of 1954.

Austin was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.  He was the founder and president of Shell Hunter Hunting Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Austin Exley and Leona Loper Exley; his son-in-law, Jimmy Mitchell; and his brother, Loren Exley.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Ann Lively Exley; children, Craig Exley (Melanie), Stacy Mitchell, Corey Exley (Christina); grandchildren, Camela Exley, Emily Exley, Dalton Mitchell (Jessica), Ansley Rahn (Joe), Caitlin Exley, and Cailey Exley; great-grandchild, Chapman Mitchell; 2 sisters, Omie Hinley and Terry Ambrose; 1 brother, Bobby Exley; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Springfield Cemetery.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421