Ray W. Austin Sr.

Ray Wesley Austin, Sr., 84, of Hudson, died Friday, January 18, 2013 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir. Born on June 28, 1928 in Caldwell County, he was the son of the late George Ellis Austin and Ora Lee Chester Austin.

Mr. Austin was known as a Bass Singer having sung with the Messenger Quartet. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Dople Bentley Austin; son, Larry Mack Austin; daughter, Lidia Berlene Austin; and grandson, Donald Ray Austin.

He is survived by his daughters, Joyce Calloway of Lenoir, Martha Fox of Morganton, Temna Austin of Conover, Mary Ann Chappell of Lenoir, Regena Baity of Lenoir and Susan Chandler of Granite Falls; sons, Ray Wesley Austin, Jr. of Hudson and Anthony Lee Austin of Kingsport, TN; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Cecil Ellis Austin of Conover.

A Memorial Service will be held from 4:00-5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in the Chapel of Valdese Family Funeral Care and Perfect Peace Cremations.

Valdese Family Funeral Care and Perfect Peace Cremations has the honor of serving the Austin family.