Henry Clay Austin, Jr.

HENRY CLAY AUSTIN, JR. was born January 5, 1935 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth, NC to the late Dora Mae Berry of Kings Mountain, Cleveland, NC and Henry Clay Austin, Sr. of Chapel Hill, Orange, NC. Henry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Fred Austin.
At the age of 2, he was placed in the Memorial Industrial School for Orphaned and under-privileged Children located in Germanton, NC. (Now known as Horizon Park). He remained there until the age of 18. In 1985 he learned that he was orphaned after his mother, while suffering from Tuberculosis, gave birth to a brother by the name of Fred, both passed away during childbirth. School records stated that his father Henry Clay Austin (Alston) Sr. was unable to care for him and maintain odd jobs.
His mother was the daughter of Mary Odom and George Berry, granddaughter of Anderson Odom and Eliza Ramseur. His father was the son of Hannah Taylor and Isom Austin, grandson of Daton Austin.
Henry attended Carver School where he participated in various activities. He retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company after 33 Years.
He grew up in Union Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. A. H. McDaniel, where he sang in the choir. He was taught voice lessons at Winston-Salem State by Mrs. Pamila Flack-Dunston who was the Director of Music at that time. Henry taught Sunday school, and announced his call to Minister at Union Baptist Church. After preaching his trial sermon, ""WHICH ROAD WILL YOU TAKE"", he transferred his membership to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located on North Trade Street under the pastorate of Rev. Mack McConnell, where he was licensed and ordained by the Rowan Council in 1982.
He and his family joined Calvary Baptist Church located at 5000 Country Club Church in 1996. There he became active in the Sanctuary Choir, Prison Ministries and Youth Bible Fellowship.
He was a member of a gospel group known as THE MIGHTY WONDERS OF WINSTON-SALEM managed by Joe Caldwell and also with the Twin City Choristers directed by the late Pamila Flack-Dunston. He attended Piedmont Bible College, Winston-Salem Bible College and Livingston Bible College.
His passion in life was to witness Gods word and try to lead as many souls to God as he could. His BIBLE was his Best Friend. His family was his LOVE, and his friends were always dear to his heart.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Reba Huff-Austin, a daughter, Lisa Austin-Burns (John L. Burns), two sons, Kevin Clay Austin (Dorothy Nesmith-Austin) and Henry Carter Austin. Five grandchildren: Ryan D. Bumpass (Chonda Tetterton), Whitney A. Bumpass, Jillian Burns, Alexandria L. and Micah C. Austin. Three great grandchildren: Charity Ryann and Cali Rose Tetterton, Zaria Rain Bumpass. ""Thanks to God and Ancestry.com, a first cousin and her children: MARY HARGRAVE-HARRIS (spouse of late Lonnie Harris) and daughter of his paternal Aunt, Mary Austin and Dorsey Hargrave of Chapel Hill, Orange, NC. Cousins: Betty Jean Harris-Moore, Mary Diane Harris, Cora Elizabeth Harris-McKinney-Smith, Alisa Nicole Harris-Harrington, Chrishawn and Brandy Corbett. He also has a host of extended family and friends.
** ABUNDANT LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO ALL PHYSICIANS, NURSES, MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS WHO ASSISTED IN HIS CARE WHETHER THROUGH VISITATION, THOUGHTS, WHISPERED PRAYERS OR MONETARY GIFTS.

The Austin Family

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