Walter Austin Lacey, 28, a long time resident of Fairhope, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
He graduated from UMS-Wright Preparatory School in 2001 and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the university of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, he accepted a position with All-South Roofing Contractors in Birmingham and served in many capacities, including project management and sales.
He met and married the love of his life, Haley Westbrook of Birmingham, and the two settled in his hometown of Fairhope, shortly afterward, where he continued his association with All-South.
During their relatively short marriage, the two were an inspiring example of love and devotion. The past year has been spent in thankfulness and peace as he fought the fight of his young life battling cancer. His strength, courage and consideration for others, even during this struggle, served as an inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact.
He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, described as a” man’s man, yet with the sensitivity to be a whole man.” Some of his happiest times were spent off-shore fishing with his father, brother, uncle, cousin, and closest friends. He was the most loyal friend, and was fortunate to be considered a best friend by many. His humor brought him and those around him comfort and joy in good times and bad, even to his last day. He enjoyed a beautiful day, blue water, and spending time with those closest to him.
He and his family have established The Austin Lacey Charitable Fund (through the Community Foundation) to raise awareness for and to facilitate early diagnosis of cancer in young adults, as well as to provide support services for young adults who have been diagnosed.
The family requests memorial donations be made to this Foundation in his honor, www.communityendowment.com.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents W.O and Mary Barnett; and cousin, Edward Sheppard.
Survivors include his loving wife Haley Westbrook Lacey; parents, Richard and Cindy Lacey; brother, Ric (Maggie) Lacey; grandparents, Dick and Kathy Lacey, and Jeanne Lacey; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation begins at 2 p.m. with a memorial service at 3 p.m. Friday, May 6 at St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope. Online at www.wolfefuneralhome.net.
