Raymond E Austin Jr's Obituary
Raymond E. Austin, Jr., born Nov. 26, 1945, in Miami, Florida. He was the son of Raymond E. Austin, Sr. and Juanita M. Austin. Growing up he lived in Hialeah, FL and after graduating high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his enlistment he spent time in Germany and the middle east during the early Vietnam War. Ray had 5 children in all: Spencer Wayne (deceased), Jamie Rae and husband Ron (deceased), Susan Lillian and husband Dave, John Edward (deceased) and Brian David. He also has 6 grandchildren: Amanda and husband Skylar, Michael and wife Olivia, Jeremy and wife MaCayla, Spencer and wife Bethany, Shaila and husband Travis and Elizabeth. He also has 7 great grandchildren: Kaden, Ashlyn, Adalyn, Remington, Isaac and a new baby on the way, and Rhyly, Dottie and a new baby on the way. Ray was a hardworking man all his life. He was a guy who could do almost anything and wasn't afraid to try new things. He was the fire chief on Big Pine Key, Florida, while also becoming an EMT. He held many jobs, including general superintendent of the precast plant for the Skyway Bridge project. However, he perfected himself in two areas: upholsterer and auto body repair and painter. He owned Ray's Paint and Body Shop in Palmetto, Florida and Big Pine Upholstery in the Florida Keys. Even after he retired, he continued to work from home doing auto repair and painting as well as upholstery in his basement with wife, Eileen. He and his wife, Eileen Simone, spent 50 years together and enjoyed their family, friends and the wonderful times when they were fortunate enough to travel. Ray was always the life of the party and his wealth of knowledge, and willingness to share it, will be missed. Ray passed Sunday Nov. 13, 2022 at 1:33 pm. Family and friends were able to say goodbye earlier and his daughter, Jamie and wife, Eileen held his hands until his final breath.
Rest in Peace my love.
Eileen Simone
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