Albert “Austin” Connell III, 62, left us unexpectedly on June 29, 2026, in Rancho Viejo, TX.

Born on November 6, 1963 in Kirkland, Washington, he was the son of Albert Austin (Jimmy) Connell Jr and Elizabeth Louise (Betty) Gunter Connell.

He grew up in Harlingen, Texas with his parents and sister Lynette. He surfed, hunted, motorcrossed, skateboarded and played golf and tennis alongside his friends in Parkwood, Harlingen. He graduated from University Preparatory School in 1982 and continued his studies at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Tx.

He lived a full fast and adventurous life as an avid surfer, fisherman, captain, water skier, hunter and hunting guide, motocross champion, car salesman, world champion offshore angler and story teller- or as he’d like to call himself a raconteur.

He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. He made friends with everyone and treated janitors the same as kings- and he could charm anyone.

Always a local, never a tourist. He worked as a hunting guide in the King Ranch, sharing his love of nature and knowledge of the land with all he met. He started in the family car business Connell Chevrolet in Killeen, TX and later worked as a wholesale buyer/seller across the Rio Grande Valley and Central Texas.

He married Ivette De la Reza on March 6, 1999 at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Harlingen, TX. They have two children Isabella Lynette (25) and Albert Austin IV (23).

He is preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Betty Connell, his cousin (who was more like a brother) Ricky Connell and numerous friends, cousins, uncles and aunts.

Austin’s legacy is continued by his children Isabella Lynette Connell and Albert Austin Connell IV, his former wife Ivette De la Reza-Connell, his sister Lynette Connell Jones, her son Kyle Kunz and her husband Terry Jones, step sisters Donna Connell Logan and her son Seth, Connie Connell Bibey, her son Beau and daughter Jennifer, and his cousin and best friend Mitch Connell.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 8:00 AM at the Chapel By the Sea in South Padre Island. A paddle out by the jetties at the Isla Blanca Park will be hosted after the service to spread his ashes and bring him back to where he loved being the most.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes any support during this time. Contributions toward funeral expenses can be sent via Venmo to @Lynette-ConnellJones.