Austin Elam was born to the late James and Stella Elam on September 19, 1953, in Belgrade, Texas. He attended school in Biloxi, Texas, for his early years of formal education. He later transferred to Kerr High School in Newton, Texas. He had a passion for truck driving. He worked as a log truck driver for many years until his health failed. He also owned his own pulpwood trucking business at one point in time.

He met and later married "his Jeanie", Alma Jean Bryant on January 30, 1980. They were married for 21 1/2 years until their marriage dissolved. He later married Camille Ridgeway. They were married for 9 years. He fathered five children.

He enjoyed spending time at the casino and Delta Downs, playing dominoes and listening to music.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Lee Jackson and David Charles Elam.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his sisters, Doris Jackson, Willie Mae Kenebrew (Ira), and Rosetta Hickman; brothers, James Elam, Jr. (Nacarla), Earl Lynn Elam (Mary), and Charles Ray Elam (Juanita); daughters, Pamela, Contena, Amy and Crystal; son, Barry; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.