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.
Condolences(14)-
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Sylvia Geter(Blount Family) says
March 30, 2022 at 4:01 pmSending my heartfelt condolences to the family.
Mitchell Austin says
March 30, 2022 at 4:20 pmLove you daddy. You are now at peace. See you on the other side one great day.
Thank you for your service.
Vassie says
March 30, 2022 at 5:44 pmSergeant Major it was a joy working with you. You will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Latricia Ambrose says
March 30, 2022 at 6:25 pmSending love and prayers to you Mitchell my Friend and your Family.
Claudette Carson says
March 30, 2022 at 8:40 pmDr. Leroy Austin a.k.a.(Daddy) we will miss you very much you were more than a friend you where our spiritual father. our loss is heavens gain. Until we see you again by and by,All our love to the family. Fred&Claudette Carson
Rev. Fred Carson says
March 30, 2022 at 8:42 pmDr. Leroy Austin a.k.a.(Daddy) we will miss you very much you were more than a friend you where our spiritual father. our loss is heavens gain. Until we see you again by and by,All our love to the family. Fred&Claudette Carson
Vanessa Gregory says
March 30, 2022 at 9:34 pmTo the Austin Family, we pray for comfort today and in days to come. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Oxford NC
Rev Joyce Foster says
March 31, 2022 at 2:33 pmMay the memories of the joys that Rev Leroy brought to the lives of each person he knew help all who remain to strive for serving The Master fervently. I am praying for Sister Grace and all of the family and friends who were bound in the love circle of Rev Dr Leroy .Austin Sr
Rev Joyce Foster says
March 31, 2022 at 2:34 pmMay the memories of the joys that Rev Leroy brought to the lives of each person he knew help all who remain to strive for serving The Master fervently. I am praying for Sister Grace and all of the family and friends who were bound in the love circle of Rev Dr Leroy Austin Sr.
Vanessa Johnson says
March 31, 2022 at 5:37 pmMy heart felt condolences to his Queen and Family ❣️ May God Comfort and Strengthen You All and know that you are in my prayers..
Jacqueline Smith says
April 1, 2022 at 2:37 pmDavora and Laticia,I am sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones right now. I hope you’re able to find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Jacqueline Smith of Richmond, VA
Edward L Johnson says
April 1, 2022 at 4:31 pmMother Grace, Yvette ,children and granddaughters, we were sorry to hear about our Rev. Dr. LeRoy “Papa“Austin. We are praying for all of you during this time. May God continue to comfort all of
you. Papa shared many special times with us. He was a loving and joyful person. He will be missed dearly.
Deacon Edward L. Johnson & Mrs. Verline McNeal-Johnson
Anna Eubanks says
April 2, 2022 at 12:29 pmA life well lived! To God be the Glory! Prayers to the family.😔😇
Shanae Owens-Beasley and husband William Beasley says
April 6, 2022 at 3:33 amMay God continue to bless your family to continue your legacy you have instilled in us all who crossed your path of wisdom and life’s lessons. You are and will always be in our hearts 💖 Our Guardian Angel. With Love
your Spiritual daughter Shanae, William,Mama,and My daughter
P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148