Melvin Autry

Melvin Hank Autry, beloved husband, father and friend, died on January 28, 2014 at the age of 66. Hank was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to parents Melvin (Pel) and Muriel Autry. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was a football star. While at USM, Hank was named an Honorable Mention All-American Pick in 1968. He was later inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Football Hall of Fame. Hank was drafted into the NFL and played for the Houston Oilers from 1969 – 1971. While living in Houston, Hank met Pat Buzan, the love of his life, and they married June 5, 1971. Their son, Britton John, was born in 1979.

Hank worked for International Paper Company for 35 years. This led their family to Denver, Colorado where they spent 20 years before moving back home to Texas. From Mississippi to Texas to Colorado, Hank built deep, lasting friendships that he greatly cherished. Hank had a kind and gentle soul and was always ready to lend a hand. He was a devoted and loving family man as well as a devout Catholic.

Hank is survived by his wife, Pat; their son, Britt; his mother, Muriel; and sister, Suzanne Berry.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with rosary at 7:00 PM, Friday, January 31, 2014 at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd NW, Taylor, Texas. Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor. A burial service will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in memory of Melvin Hank Autry to Amschwand Sarcoma Cancer Foundation. www.sarcomacancer.org. 2726 Bissonnet Street, Suite 240-314, Houston, Texas 77005. This Foundation personally touched the lives of the Autry family and continues to support many other families who are affected by cancer.