Richard M. Austin, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Tavares, FL on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Richard was born and raised in St. Petersburg where he attended West Central Elementary and Southside Junior High. In 1957 he joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany until his discharge.
After his military service, Richard followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and began employment with General Telephone & Electronics (GTE). He remained with GTE until his retirement.
In 1959 Richard was introduced to Augusta (Gussie) White on a blind date. From that day on they were inseparable. They married in February of 1960. On their wedding day Richard and Gussie moved into their first home in Seminole. Here they built their life together, raising two daughters and creating lifelong memories for 54 years until moving to Tavares three years ago.
Over the years, Richard enjoyed fishing, model trains, restoring old cars and bicycles, watching sports, talking on his CB radio, tinkering in the garage and taking care of his lawn. He always worked with his hands and created many beautiful pieces for family and friends from wood and repurposed items, which are now cherished treasures. He loved sharing stories about his childhood antics in St. Petersburg and his time in the service. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved – his friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Sarah Austin, and his son, Ricky Austin. He is survived by his loving wife, Gussie; daughter Vicki (Wayne) Warrington; daughter Lauri Daphni (Andrew) Tsongranis; granddaughter Kaila Assimack (Johnny) Glaros and grandson, Basil Austin Assimack.
A service with Military Honors will be held at 12:45PM on Friday, June 16th at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard North, St. Petersburg 33708.
Thinking of you and your family and praying always. Love you, Jara
We have many wonderful memories of our dear friend to treasure. He gave us all the gift of laughter. To Gussie, Vicki, Lauri, and the entire family, we want you to know that we are keeping you close in our hearts and prayers.
Rest in peace dear Richard.
With love and prayers,
Sandi and Tom
Richard will always be in our hearts, he was a great friend & neighbor; could always count on Richard to help in any situation, never saying no to anything asked. He caught many a snake for us. Gus and Richard will always be a friend and loved by us. Thank you, Jerry and Nancy
Daphani so sorry to read of your father’s death.
May his memory be eternal and may he rest in peace.
Love and prayers to all your family.
I worked with Richard at GTE Seminole work center . We shared great fishing stories and stories of growing up in St.Pete. I am sorry for our loss . I know we will share stories in our next L
I worked with Richard at GTE Seminole work center . We shared great fishing stories and stories of growing up in St.Pete. I am sorry for our loss . I know we will share stories in our next L life .
Thank you for your Service to our Country.
My heart goes out to all of the family for the loss of husband, father, grandfather and old friend, Richard Austin…I will never forget him and his wonderful sense of humor and the great friendship he had with my late husband, Kevin and me. Rest in Peace dear Richard…Always to be fondly remembered………..With all my Sympathy,Carol
Gussie & family. memories of friendship goes way back to Southside & more. Loved your paintjob on old black car.still remember Henry & Sarah laughing with beer in hand on porch. ha all those fishing trips with Frank
Best wishes to all.
Margaret
What wonderful memories I have. WhenI talked to Richard the day he passed, he reminded me that we were friends for 72 years. This brought to mind the day when we were at Bartlett Park when I was chasing fly balls as that was my job. One went into the lake. I had forgotten that I just had gotten rid of the braces on my legs, and went into the water anyway to retrieve the ball. I heard people yelling to get out of the lake as there was a 10 ft gator starting to come towards me. Richard yelled to his friends to go in and save Peanut. They dove into the lake and came after me. I could hardly swim so they got each side and dragged me to shore with the gator about 20 ft away from us. Rest In Peace my friend. You will never be forgotten. Kathy and I send our condolences and sympathy to Gussie and the family. God Bless.
Dear Gus and family our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. Many memories of Richard, from trap shooting at Lealman gun club, to years at GTE and more recently our group luncheons at Leverock’s restaurant. God Bless, Billy Bradshaw and Cathy
My brother I would have given my life for yours, but being the man you where you took the hit like a man . I love you as a brother and will keep your name in my heart. It was my honor to know you,ya old scoundrel. See ya on the other side 10/8
Such a great person with so much love in his heart. Richard loved his family very much and the love of his life Gussie were two peas in a pod. Richard you will be missed. Love to all his family and friends. Rest in Peace my friend. God now has another Angle to watch over us. Much Love.. Mike & Patty
So Very Sorry for Your Loss Guss and Family. We will very much miss the wonderful stories and time spent Sharing stories of being Raised in St.Petersburg Area. I meet Richard in the mid 80~s. He and I talked about a engine + transmission build in what became a very pretty custom Red Ford street rod. He said he would have to check with his Sponsor before we started. From then on We have great memories of the project (that turned out Great)and Our introduction to his Sponsor. Gods Speed Our Friend!! Love and Prayers,Trish + Clarence
I’m very sorry I missed the service Gussie. My condolences to you and family. I had great times with Rich.
I will miss him.