Ray Austin

Ray Henly Austin, 93, went home to the Lord and joined the love of his life Ann Taylor Austin on the morning of Friday, November 5, 2021.  Ray was born on August 10, 1928 in Laurel, Mississippi, the youngest of nine children of the late Albert and Mary Austin.

Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann Taylor Austin; his father and mother; his eight siblings, Andrew, Truman, Nellie, Herman, Linnie, Pearl, Carrie and Louise; his wife’s parents, Frank and Louise Taylor.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Ann Marie Rouse (Mark Rouse) of Slidell, Louisiana and Cindy Claussen (Steve Martin) of Camarillo, California; his grandsons, Brian Rouse of Brandon, MS and David Rouse of New Orleans, LA; his great granddaughter, Kylie Rouse Brandon, MS; his sister-in-law, Sara Dunning (Bill Dunning) of Jackson, MS; his brother-in-law, Pat Taylor (Cindy Taylor) of Brandon, MS; and a great number of nieces and nephews.  He is further survived by Cathy Denman (Jason and Gunner) of Madison, MS and Michael Dunning (Angela and Avery) of Charlotte, NC; Jennifer Meadows of Covington, LA and her children, Boston and Mia of Covington, LA, Lauren Lyons of New Orleans, LA, and Mike Claussen (Charlotte and Bella) of Huntsville, AL.

Ray was married to the love of his life, Ann Taylor Austin for 50 years until her death in 2004.  He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport, MS and in later years attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell, LA.

After his mother’s passing at the age of two, Ray went to live with his sister, Pearl and Rupert Johnston.  He was an uncle/brother to Nell Walker and Pat Johnston.  He was always especially thankful for his wonderful life with them and spoke of it often.  Ray loved all of his family and friends.  He looked forward to the annual “Austin” reunion.

Ray worked as a salesman for Staton Motor Company and Bert Allen Pontiac/Mercedes, before opening A&B Auto Sales in Gulfport, MS. He was an avid Saints, SEC football, and Atlanta Braves fan.  He was a former member of the Gulfport Lion’s Club.  He loved bowling, playing card games, bingo, working puzzles and watching television sitcoms.  His nickname to many of his friends was “Stingray”.  Ray was a graduate of the Class of 1948, Biloxi High School and was a member of the National Guard.

Ray will always be remembered for his cheerful personality, his good nature, his smile, and his wit.  No one loved life more than Ray.  He was loved by all those that touched him and was a father/grandfather figure to many.

A graveside service and Celebration of Life in Ray's honor will be held for family and friends at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery (28th Street) in Gulfport, MS on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 11:00 am.

Charitable donations made payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are encouraged in lieu of flowers.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.