Nathaniel Austin Jr., affectionately known as “Bobby,” departed this life on August 22, 2026, in Beckley, West Virginia, at the age of 90. He was born June 8, 1936, in Fire Co, West Virginia, to the late Beatrice Austin and Nathaniel Austin Sr.
Bobby graduated from Byrd Prillerman High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia State, a school he loved returning to each year for Homecoming. He later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership.
After college, Bobby planned to travel Milwaukee to begin his teaching career, but a bus layover in Cleveland, Ohio, changed the course of his life. After meeting friends who convinced him to stay, Cleveland became his home for more than 60 years. Bobby devoted his professional life to education, serving as both a teacher and principal before eventually returning to the classroom. One of his proudest accomplishments was being recognized in the America’s Favorite Teacher book.
Though Bobby had no children of his own, he loved and cared for his siblings and family as if they were his children. He was a pillar of his family.
Bobby will be remembered for retelling his childhood stories—and often laughing before anyone else had the chance.
When he wasn't teaching or working one of his many jobs, he enjoyed Spades, Bid Whist, Pinochle every chance he had. Bobby also enjoyed bringing his famous ribs to the annual Austin family cookout.
Faith remained important throughout his life. Bobby attended Olivet Institutional Baptist Church during most of his years in Cleveland and St. Paul Baptist Church while visiting Beckley
After returning to Beckley for good, he was lovingly cared for by his
sister Patricia and brother Robert Lee.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings : Catherine “Kat” Austin, Clifford “Gene” Austin, Jerome “Jerry” Austin(Lua Ann), Sandra Faye Parker(Lonnie), Donnie Ray Austin, and Brenda Jean Austin. He leaves to cherish his memory his surviving siblings: Laverne “Kitty” Smith; Larry Edward Austin (Mary) Robert Lee “Bunk” Austin (Thomasa) Linda Jeanette McDowell; and Patricia Ann Keller. And a slew of nieces and nephews.
He also leaves special friends TV, with whom he shared a home for much of his time in Cleveland; Matt, whose “courtesy cards” Bobby often talked about; Ed and Helena, his cruising partners; Linda, who faithfully stood by his side; and a host of treasured friends and card-playing companions.
To his family, he was Bobby. To generations of students, he was Mr. Austin. His laughter, stories, wisdom, dedication to education, and love for family will remain part of his lasting legacy.
