Rev. Dr. Leroy Austin, Sr.
On the morning of Sunday, March 20, 2022 Leroy Austin traded in his cross to receive his crown.
Leroy was born September 21, 1935 in Norfolk, VA to the late David Austin and Alice Bell Lucas.
Leroy graduated from St. Joseph’s High School, Norfolk, VA in 1953 and upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in October 1953. In February 1958 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (REGAF) and in January 1964 he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army where he continued his service until his retirement as a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in September 1985.
CSM Leroy Austin (Retired) was stationed in North Carolina, California, Japan, Korea and Virginia. CSM Austin deployed to Vietnam for two combat tours defending this great nation. During his 32 years of military service he received the following honors – Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal Ribbon (Bronze Oak Leaf Custer), Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal Ribbon (1 Silver Good Conduct two knot Device), Korean service Medal Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (1 Bronze Numeral 3), Air Force Longevity Service Award, Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal w/Palm Ribbon, United Nations Medal Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Campaign Medal Ribbon.
Leroy was a founding/charter member of the American Legion Post 120 (Petersburg, VA) of the American Legion Department of Virginia and a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association.
On January 1, 1990 Leroy married Grace M. Austin and for the past 30+ years they have enjoyed the journey of traveling together, selling Home Interiors, entertaining and enjoying the company of family & friends, sharing the Great Commission with whoever they met, ministering in nursing homes and simply enjoying life’s rewards.
In June 2004 Leroy completed course work and received a Doctor of Divinity from Slidell Baptist Seminary in Slidell, LA. He was very proud of this accomplishment as it was near & dear to his heart and soul. He was an avid reader and student of Bible history and more specifically, the presence of African Americans in the Bible. One of his simple pleasures in life was gathering with his fellow Christian brothers for their breakfast outings. He enjoyed sharing his wealth of life’s experience by encouraging others and providing tidbits of wisdom about the journey one must travel in this life.
Leroy was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Lee Barber, sister Grace Russel Jones Means and nephew Gary Barber.
He leaves behind a loving wife, Grace M. Austin; seven children, Leroy Austin, Jr. (Sherese) of Wallace, NC; Gwendolyn Borden of Wallace, NC; Davora Hudson (Sherman) of Richmond, VA; Mitchell Austin of Atlanta, GA; Jerry Austin of Atlanta, GA; Jimmy Austin of Wallace, NC and Laticia Austin of Richmond, VA. Three stepchildren, Yvette Hill of Chesapeake, VA; Roy Gooden (Medina) of Augusta, GA and Wendall Gooden of Malvern, PA. Seven grandchildren, Miguel Austin, Demarcus Moore, Briana Austin, Zoe Austin, Jeremy Austin, Ariyanne “Nia” Austin and Emerson Austin. A niece Barbara Brown of Norfolk, VA and nephews Frederick Jones, Jr., of the Philippines; Perry A. Barber, Archer V. Barber and LeRoy Barber. Sister in laws Dorothy L. Barber of Virginia Beach, VA; Carolyn Miller of Norfolk, VA; Joyce Williams (Charles) of Branchville, SC and brother-in-law Sinclaire Jennings of Durham, NC. A host of extended grandchildren & other loving family and friends too numerous to name.
