Austin Samuel Critz

Mr. Austin Samuel Critz, of Mount Airy, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the age of 28. Austin was born March 3, 1998, in Forsyth County, to Sam and Becky Critz. Austin was a lifelong academic with a passion for uncovering knowledge and sharing it with others. In all he did, he wanted people to be taken care of above all else. He was quiet and thoughtful, with a bright mind, a quick wit, and a special ability to make his friends and family laugh. Every now and then he would get a belly laugh going, usually at a joke that he himself made, and it would spread to everyone in the room. Austin felt deeply. He loved debate, motivated by a sincere desire for all those around him to know the truth. He was an avid reader and loved to dig into research on any given topic that interested him. He had knack for technology and would offer help to anyone needing tech help. In fact, he would help others in any way he could. He loved board games. His sharp wit and big smile will be sorely missed. Austin was deeply intentional in his faith, spending his entire life learning about Christian history and the influence of God on the world. We are forever grateful for the 28 years that we got with him, and we know that he is at peace now in the arms of our Lord. He is survived by his parents, Sam and Becky Critz; his brother and sister-in-law, Ryan and Lena Critz; his niece, Jemma Critz; his maternal grandmother, Barbara Speight Hill; his paternal grandparents, Sam and Betty Critz; his aunts and uncles, Suzi and John Cannon, Jeff and Rhonda Hill, and Darron and Nicole Hill; his first cousins, Jack Cannon, Brady Hill, Dustin Oakley, and Blake and Courtney Oakley; and his family’s dogs, Scout, Duffy, and Marshall (who never had to stay with strangers because Austin was there). Austin was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Charles Edward Hill; and his paternal grandmother, Ann Boyles Powers. A service of worship and celebration of Austin’s life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Alex L. Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Critz Family Cemetery, under the direction of Dr. Roger B. Gilbert. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorial donations can be made in Austin’s memory to Action and Awareness for Suicide Prevention at https://www.pledge.to/organizations/33-4602236/action-awareness-for-suicide-prevention or Brain and Behavior Research Foundation at https://donate.bbrfoundation.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.