Obituary of Herbert T. Austin, Jr.

Herbert Thomas Austin Jr. was born to the late Herbert Mills Austin and viola Austin on December 24, 1928 in Palmyra, NJ. He was seventh of eight children, four boys and four girls, preceding him in death: Margaret Austin John Austin (Myone), Walter Austin, Dorothy Roberts (Daniel), Ruth Austin, Lucy Austin and William Austin. On March 31, 1956, Herbert married Lorraine (nee Hyman). They have 3 children: Darrel Austine, Keith Austine and Donna Welcher. Herbert went by many names; Herbie, Gabe, Junior, Aus, Daddy, Grand Pop and Uncle Gabe but if he introduced himself to you, he would say 'Hi I'm Herb, pleased to meet you.' Herb Attended the Palmyra public school system, graduating from Palmyra High School. He was running back on the football team but his love for Track & Field is where he excelled in the 400 and 800 matters. Shortly after graduating, Herb joined the United States Army and was a physical Education instructor during his 3 years of service. Once he returned home to Palmyra, Herb began working, sometimes more than one job at the time. A few of his jobs: caddying at the Riverton Country Club, Lenars Rubber Parts- Philadelphia, Campbell's Soup - Camden, and H. k. Porter- Riverside, NJ. in 1970, He Joined Ford Motor company in Pennsauken NJ. Herb Loved the work and the many friends (or characters) that became his work family. He had many stories to tell of the antics that went on at the work plant. He would always say, 'Fords was the best job he ever had.' after retiring in 1989, he would always talk and laugh about his time as a Ford-Man. Herb began his Christian walk at an early age with his family at Evergreen Baptist Church. In later years, he joined his wife and children and became a member of St. Paul UAME Church, he was a faithful member for over 50 years until his passing. He served as an Usher and was a member of the Men's Choir. He was also a member of the Men's Community Choir. Although Herb was a quiet person, he had many interests. He enjoyed Listening to many genres of music with R&B being his favorite and Dionne Warwick was his #1. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching and talking about it with others. His biggest highlight was attending the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He also loved to travel by all modes of transportation, visiting many places across the county, the Caribbean and Italy. Anyone that knew Herb could tell you he was an all-around great guy. He had an uncanny ability to meet someone and within 5 minutes he would know their life story. A testament to how comfortable people would feel in his presence. He was one to always put other's needs before his. In talking with Herb, somewhere in the conversation he'd say, 'I ain't kidding' you' and his phone calls always ended with, 'Right-O'. sadly, Herb Will be missed sitting on his front porch as he gave a wave to everyone that passed by the house. Herb was called home early Sunday morning, December 17, 2023, one week shy of his 95th birthday. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of more than 67 years, Lorraine, sons Darrel (Charmaine) Austine and Keith (Patricia) Austine, daughter Donna (William) Welcher. Grandchildren: Sasha Austine, Jaime Welcher, Keith Austine II, Jazmine Welcher, Breanna Owens, Ebony Austin, Bryan Singleton and Brandon Singleton and 9 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind nieces and nephews on the Austine side: Elaine Edmonds, Jennifer Austine, Carol Kendall, Klythia Roberts, Michael Austine and Shawn Roberts. God-daughter Leslie Hyman Deitz. In-laws: Williams & Delores Roy, Louise Vaughn, Ronald Hyman-Weed and a host of nieces and nephews.