Chap G. Austin Sr.

Born November 27, 1941 in Bluefield, VA., he attended schools in Virginia and played football at Graham High School.

He worked for National Electric Coil for 18 years until its closing. Then he worked for Bluefield Parking Commission until his retirement. Chap served in the West Virginia National Guard, serving a year of active duty during the Berlin Crisis.

Chap was preceded in death by his parents, Earl G. Austin and Laura Maurine Austin; two brothers, H.A. Austin and William E. Jonas; one sister, Tiny Janice Nipper.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Mary Craven Austin; two sons, Chap (Joe) Austin, Jr. and Mark A. Austin, two daughters, Lillian Marie Ellison, and husband Brian Ellison, and Margaret Harvey and husband Paul Harvey; one sister Laura Elizabeth Looney, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. One of his best friends was Dr. Ofsa and staff, and the loving and caring staff of Amedysis Hospice.

Chap had a great sense of humor. He loved his family and his Lord. He loved reading the Bible and playing guitar with his friends Robert Clark and Butch Shrewsbury.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 1:00 PM at the Memorial Baptist Church in Bluefield, VA, with Pastor Lacey Brooks officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the church.

In keeping with Chap’s wishes, he was cremated.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to the Memorial Baptist Church, 401 Virginia Avenue, Bluefield, VA 24605, or to Amedisys Hospice, Rural Route 2, Box 180, Bluefield, WV 24701. Arrangements by Roselawn Funeral Home, 450 Courthouse Road, Princeton, WV 24740.