Austin Gene Hayes, 19, of Rutherfordton, N.C., passed away Sept. 15, 2015.

Born in Spartanburg, S.C., he was the son of Sherrie and Tim Stepp of Rutherfordton, N.C.  Austin was a 2015 graduate of Polk County High School. He had a passion for music and mustangs. Austin enjoyed making others smile and laugh. He was employed at Deslee Textile in Inman, S.C.

In addition to his parents he is survived by a sister Kenley Stepp and a brother Jesse Stepp, grandparents Gene and Diane Blackwell, a grandfather Fred Hayes, and a grandmother Barbara Stepp.  Also surviving are a niece, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at McFarland Funeral Chapel on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at 11 a.m., at McFarland Funeral Chapel with Dr. Chris Osborn officiating.

A burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 28722.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.