Wednesday, October 21, 2026 1:24 pm

On October 8, 2026 Austin Ronald Dedmon, aged 39, completed his final inning, leaving the world a much fairer, kinder place than he found it.

Austin lived life with a profound sense of purpose, serving as a fierce champion for the marginalized and an unwavering voice against social injustice. He deeply believed that everyone deserved a level playing field, spending decades fighting to dismantle barriers for those who had less. Where society saw deficits, Austin saw untapped potential and inherent worth.

Nowhere was this beautiful perspective clearer than at the local baseball diamonds. For years, Austin looked forward to league play, not to stack a roster with easy wins, but to coach the unchosen. Austin deliberately sought out the kids who were picked last, those who lacked confidence, and those who simply needed someone to believe in them. Through baseball, Austin taught life: that everyone belongs on the field, that mistakes are just part of the game, and that the underdog always deserves a passionate coach in their corner. Austin's legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, and the hundreds of kids who stood a little taller because Austin coached them on the field.

Austin lost his hard fought, courageous, and unwinnable 3 year battle with the terrible disease ALS. Austin passed away at Hospice on Wendover surrounded by the people who loved him most.

Austin is survived by his parents, Ronnie and Susan Dedmon; his sister Alexandra Dedmon; and his brother Avery Dedmon. He is also survived by the loves of his life, his nephew (or neph-son) Kylen and his loving niece Rhyan. Their births changed Austin's life -- from that moment on, he poured himself into a relationship with them, and they became two of the most important people in his world.

Also surviving him are his close knit group of cousins: Andrew Brown, Caroline Schmidt, Lauren Horne, Lindsay Horne, Mary Katherine Arnold, and Blanton Leigh. They spent many summers together at grandaddy's mountain cabin on the banks of the Hiawasee River; fishing for trout, swimming in the Honey Hole, cooking over an open fire, swinging in the hammock, and taking baths in large metal tubs.

Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents Becky and Harold Weaver, Eddis Dedmon, and Joyce and Fred Brown.

He loved his best friend in life, Jason Mauney. Jason came once a week to the house to visit Austin, bring him something, whether it was coconut milk or a new horchata that he had found. He always entered, walked straight to Austin, kissed him on the head and told him he loved him. He would do the same before leaving.

Austin was also fortunate to have a dear friend, who helped him through the last 15 years of his life, Dr. Bill Simons. We will forever be grateful for his presence.

The family is deeply grateful to Meg Shires and the nurses and staff at Hospice at Wendover for their compassionate, unparalleled care. Also to the many friends and family members who visited Austin during his illness. Your kindness meant everything to all of us.

We will have a drop-in Celebration of Life at Uptown Indigo on Sunday, November 8 from 3-7 pm.

Although our lives will never be the same, we know he is in a much better place. His body is healed and he is looking to get in on a fantasy baseball league.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Austin's name to Wendover Hospice House (officially known as the Levine & Dickson Hospice House - Wendover) located at 953 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150

Please continue to lift us in your prayers as we try to begin a new normal...if possible.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.