Raymond Clarence Austin

On September 1, 1969, Joe Louis, and Deborah Delores (Darring) Austin were blessed with their sixth bundle of joy, Raymond Clarence Austin. He was born at John D. Archbold Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia. Clarence attended Thomasville City Schools. He participated in youth football at the local YMCA and baseball in middle school. In 1987, Clarence graduated from Thomasville High School. Clarence continued his education at Albany State University obtaining a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Later, he earned his teaching certificate from Valdosta State University and taught in several school districts within the State of Georgia. After teaching, he embodied the entrepreneurial life and became the owner and operator of Top Shelf Wine & Spirits. Later in life, he worked as a part-time security officer while living in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1995, Clarence married Monica (Franklin) Austin and to this union came three (3) beautiful daughters: Jaden Austin, Sterlyn Austin, and Ra'Mya Austin. With this union, each of them embraced the importance of education. In 2017, Clarence wed his former wife, Tonya Bull.
As an adult, he enjoyed playing in the adult softball league. Clarence's love for sports continued as he began to master and compete in the popular sport, pickleball. He played throughout the week and in tournaments on weekends. Recently, he was excited about winning a gold medal in a Doubles Tournament.
Clarence leaves to cherish his memories, three children Jaden Austin, Sterlyn Austin, and Ra'Mya Austin. He was proceeded in death by his father, Joe Louis Austin but leaves a devoted mother, Deborah Delores Austin and six siblings: Joe (Jacqueline) Austin, Samuel (Mayora) Austin, Lee (Christina) Austin, Christine (Marcus) Everett, Debra Austin (Bernard) Yearby, Aliyahu Yahusha (Dasha Yah), and a Godbrother, Arthur Smith. He leaves behind several aunts and uncles: Naomi Cherry, Virginia Williams, Mary Austin, Amos Darring, George Calloway, John (Ruby) Darring, Sr., Eugene Walker and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special friend, Debbrina Fuce.