Raymond Donald Austin Sr. born on March 7, 1939. He was the second son Lucielle Constantina Francis and Clarence Louis Austin in New York City, New York. He began his life in the Bronx and then moved to Queens where he was educated in New York Public Schools. He devoted his life to his love, Mary L. Thomas, and his children: Christal Brabham, Chandra Austin-Wylie , Raymond Austin Jr. and, Mallory Connor. Raymond was employed as a general contractor with a specialty in carpet installation. In his spare time, he indulged his passion for fixing cars. He retired in 2002. After he retired he made Newport News, Virginia his permanent home. Raymond had many interest. He enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, fishing and African History. But his greatest passion was his family. On February 26, 2015, Raymond was called home to be with his Lord. He leaves precious memories with his Wife, Mary; His children, Christal, Chandra and Sam, Raymond and Raven, and Mallory; His grandchildren, Ashley, Cheyenne, Sema'j, Christopher, Cidney Amani, Kobie, Santasia, Emoni, Mallory Jr.; His brothers, Ralph Austin and Derek Austin; His sister Deborah Austin-Coley. His in-laws: Ida Mae and Pastor Nathaniel Williams, Leola and Roy Lee Fields, Amy and Vincent Bullock, Felix and Katherine Cook, Leroy Cook, Wallace and Maricar Cook, Tywon Cook, Teresa Hinton and a host nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucielle and Clarence Austin, and older brother, Clarence Austin, and in laws, Willie Thibo, Phillip Cook, Walter Cook Jr., Donna James, and Velma Washington. A memorial service will be conducted 3:00 PM Monday at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton, 757-825-8070.