Ralph Lynn Austin

Ralph Lynn Austin, Age 92, of Clinton Maryland, passed away on January 2, 2024 after a courageous battle against COPD, Covid and Pneumonia.

Ralph was born on December 3, 1931 to Carl Bagby and Annie Eagle Austin in Iredell County, NC.  He graduated from Harmony High School in 1950.  In 1951 he enlisted in the Air Force to serve during the Korean War.  He spent a year in Vietnam in 1968 and served for almost the entire Cold War.   While he was in Vietnam, he used all of his free time to help build an orphanage.  He followed five of his older brothers who enlisted to serve during WW2 and the Korean War.  Ralph was a proud patriot and loved serving his country.  He served for almost 29 years.  He was a highly decorated Communication Specialist and rose to the very top of his field.  He retired in 1980 at the highest rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

In 1980, he began a second career as a civil servant for the Department of Energy.   He was very successful and retired in 1993.

After he retired the second time, he served as a volunteer bookkeeper for his church and played golf every weekday, rain or shine, hot or cold until he was 90.  He loved working on his yard, grilling, watching sports, swimming in his pool and spending time with his immediate and extended family and with his many dear friends.

In 1947, he met the love of his life, Margaret Pearl Cook at a church softball game in Iredell County, NC.  They began their storybook marriage on January 17, 1953.  Ralph and Margaret went on to have three children:  Sandra Caruso (Bob Matters), Edwin Austin (Jane Austin) and Kevin Austin.  They had many amazing adventures including living in London and Australia.

Ralph was predeceased by his son Kevin, his parents, six brothers, and his son-in-law Paul Caruso.   He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Sandra, son Edwin, sister Esther Crosby, grandchildren Brittany Moudry, Mallory Smith, Conner Austin, Morgan Sinding and Aubriana Hawley, great grandchildren Kairi Smith and Nolan Sinding as well as many nieces and nephews.

Service, with lunch following, will be held on Saturday, January 13 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, 7415 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.  The service will be Live-streamed and will be available for viewing later.

Internment, with Military Honors, will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. 

Condolences can be sent to Margaret Austin, 501 Small Reward Road, Huntingtown, MD, 20639.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro. 

Virtual streaming will be provided on Saturday morning for those who are unable to physically attend:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAB0M062s5c