Roy Melvyn Austin

Published 7:38 pm Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Roy Melvyn Austin, 93, of Suffolk, died Feb. 13, 2016. He was a long time school teacher and bus driver for Smithfield High School. He spent the last 40 years as a full-time minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He is survived by his wife, Annie Vaughn Austin; sons, Bradley Austin, Roy Austin Jr. (Teresa), William Earl Austin and stepson Edward Vaughn; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William S. Austin and Margaret McCormick Austin; his former wife, Orita Walker Austin; his daughter, Christine Pierce; and his granddaughter Krystal Austin. 

Besides his love of teaching others to read, write, pray and worship, his gardening skills and love of animals brought him great joy.

His faithful life and joyful service to Jehovah is truly an example we can all imitate —1 Cor. 11:1. 

Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 19, 5 – 8 p.m. and memorial services are Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home, 3515 Robs Drive in Suffolk.
In lieu of flowers, individuals are urged to make a donation toward the world-wide work of the Jehovah’s Witnesses by visiting jw.org.