Samuel Austin Caperton, III, 74, of Daniels, West Virginia, died Thursday, April 30, 2026, surrounded with love and with the hands of Amber Sellaro, his chosen life partner, upon his chest. Austin will be remembered for the vibrant energy he brought to life and those around him and the love and care with which he treated people.

Austin had a true love for family, friends, and the outdoors, especially his beloved home of West Virginia. With his late wife, Brenda, he forged strong family bonds with their two sons, Austin and Mason, using everyday moments and shared experiences to teach lessons of life and love. More than anything, he enjoyed watching his sons develop as young men, become fathers, and love and cherish their families as much as he did, all while going by the nickname “Pops.”

Austin was born to Barbro and S. Austin Caperton, Jr., in Slab Fork, West Virginia, on November 26, 1951. After showing early interest in science and math, he attended the Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, West Virginia, earned his bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Virginia Tech in 1973, and obtained a law degree from West Virginia University in 1976. He began his professional career with the family-owned Slab Fork Coal Company, then worked for Massey Energy before eventually founding his own business, Caperton Energy, in 1989. Through Caperton Energy, Austin provided consulting and other services to business leaders in the energy sector until just weeks prior to his passing.

Austin also had a love for using his hands, having owned and operated Beckley Feed & Hardware for 15 years beginning in 1998. True to form, he used the iconic Beckley landmark as a way to bring family and friends together. In 2017, he was appointed by Governor Jim Justice as Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), where he and others were committed to providing a healthy balance of industry and environment in the state of West Virginia.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 37 years, Brenda (2016), whom he met in 1978. They married the same year and began their family shortly thereafter. In 1995, Austin and Brenda built their dream home together, a place that would serve as a gathering spot for many friends and family over the last three decades, with many stories and laughs to be had on the back patio overlooking Glade Creek.

Austin was a proud West Virginian and found comfort and joy in its natural beauty. He embraced the outdoors of the state over the years and could often be found on the golf course, riding his road bike, or relaxing on his chaise lounge. He was well traveled, but his favorite vacation spot was Islamorada in the Florida Keys where he made countless memories with his family.

West Virginia and his community were always where he returned and he took his commitment to the community seriously. He spent years coaching sports teams and was active in many local charities and organizations, including Beckley Area Foundation, WV Kids Count Fund, Active Southern West Virginia, Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh County Make it Shine Beautification Committee, Forward Southern West Virginia Inc., Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority, WV Council for Community & Economic Development, WV Public Energy Authority, and WV Graduate College Foundation. He and Brenda were also involved in the United Way of Southern West Virginia for many years. In 2014, Austin even took to the dance floor during the annual Dancing With the Stars fundraising event along with close family friend, Michelle Rotellini. The duo emerged victorious, but more importantly, raised more than $50,000 to benefit southern West Virginia.

Austin is survived by his sons, Austin (Melissa) and Mason (Trevy); grandchildren, Sam, William, Helena, and Paxton; siblings, Hugh (Kathy), John (Lisa), Adam (Stephanie), and Mary Clay (Randy); partner Amber Sellaro and her daughters, Anna and Sophie; extended members of the Caperton and Rankin families; and dear friends who all brought so much joy to his life. We will all miss his energy, his quick wit, and his unmatched ability to tell a great story.

Austin would be extremely pleased if any of his friends and family chose to donate to the Ballad Health Hospice House, whose amazing staff helped Austin and his family through the challenging end of life’s journey with love, compassion, and respect. Items of appreciation for the staff and anything that can provide comfort to families navigating similar difficult times are encouraged. The Ballad Hospice House is located at 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, Tennessee, 37620.

A service to celebrate the life of Austin Caperton will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Glade Community Church with Rev. Dr. Monte Mitchell officiating. Friends may visit with the family beforehand from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday at Glade Community Church.

Sons Austin and Mason encourage guests to wear colors that remind them of the energy that Austin brought to those around him in life. Further, for those who have items of clothing or jewelry belonging to Brenda, you are encouraged to wear these items in celebration of two wonderful people and parents.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.
Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring Chapel, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, West Virginia, 25918.