Mr. Lee Clayton Austin was born on April 3, 1920, to Raymond E. and Mariane T. Austin. He died on March 4, 2010, under the kind and compassionate care of Beacon Hospice at Margaret’s House. He is survived by his sister, Constance Muriel Misener; and his children, Ronnie Austin, Barbara J. Dalton, Peter Austin and Jonathan Austin.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Florence E. Austin, and parents.

Mr. Austin was born in Freeport, N.Y., and graduated from Freeport High School in 1937; he attended University of North Carolina until World War II, when he enrolled in the Navy and proudly served his country.

He served in the Pacific on the USS Lubbock and later joined his father in the fence business.

Mr. Austin was led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as his savior by a Navy chaplain and has followed Jesus ever since. His favorite verses were Proverbs 3: 5 and 6. He always told everyone he knew, “keep looking up.” Dad never met a stranger and was known for his animal noise antics, playing the harmonica, singing hymns, love of the Holy Bible, support of missions and witnessing for his Lord. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Lenoir, N.C. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2010, at Rosewood Park. Burial followed under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.

The family requests all memorials be made to Children’s Bible Fellowship, PO BOX 670 Carmel, NY 10512 or North American Indigenous Missions c/o Ron Wilson@ PO BOX 151, Point Roberts, WA, 98281.

A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.