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The Lowndes Signal held a contest in June to honor local fathers. One father of two, a Minter resident, was selected as a prime example of the men who fill the role of dad and hero to their families.

Hunter Austin was nominated for the honor by his wife RayAnn Neamon because of the selfless way in which he cares for her and their sons James, 1, and Hunter Jr., 3. Neamon said Austin seemed always to be thinking of their welfare, and just before the contest opened, an accident at work brought home for her just how much he placed his family’s needs above his own.

On June 1, at 8:30 a.m., Austin was working on the production line at Hwashin America Corporation in Greenville, when the 300-ton press he operated came down on his right arm and hand, crushing both.

“On his way to Baptist South Hospital, his concern wasn’t [about] what was going on with him or the pain he was in,” Neamon said. “It was how he was going to work to pay our bills to take care of me and his children. After an almost six-hour surgery and losing two fingers, this amazing man’s only concern was how he was going to hold our newborn and pick up our children.”

Austin expressed pride in knowing his family understands his care for them and sees him as their hero.

“I think pride is the best way I can put it at this time,” he said. “I don’t really have any other words than that. I’m just joyful that they view me in that way.”

Since the accident, Austin is learning to use his hand again and is unsure when or if he will be able to return to production work. But, in spite of recent challenges, he is motivated to stay positive as an example to his children.

“Just watching the smile on your children’s face, that pushes you through the day, even the hardest days,” he said.

The couple are expecting their third child in October. Austin said he understands the vital role he plays to his children.

“I have these boys who will look at me and if I’m not joyful, they sense it and they feed off of it,” Austin said. “Not a lot of people think dads are vital.”

Neamon, however, understands the importance of fathers, especially viewing her husband through the lens of his accident.

“As the mother of our children, who had to see him in that hospital room, I wish a lot of people wouldn’t take fathers for granted as much as they do,” Neamon said. “My kids almost didn’t have a dad. It could have been a lot worse. So, I wish people wouldn’t take for granted the time they get to spend with their children.”