Frederick “Fred” H. Austin, 85, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. He was the son of the late Frederick and Lillian Austin. He is preceded in death by his late wife of 53 years, Eva Ann Austin, and two sisters, Marjorie Sadler and Mildred Britt, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Fred was a graduate of Suffolk High School. He has been an active member of Benn’s United Methodist Church since 1957. Fred retired from NASA Langley Research Center after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Smithfield Union Lodge 18, Smithfield. He served in the U.S Air Force and served as president and captain for the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad for 10 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Pearl Elliott Austin; daughters, Ann L. Buckley (Patrick) and Cynthia M.A. Raiford (Philip); and granddaughter, Jessica Buckley; along with his stepson, Donnie Darden (Nancy); step-granddaughter, Ashley Darden Poort (Trevor) and their daughter, Kensi Poort; step-grandson, Kenneth Darden; brothers-in-law, Swain Davis and Junius and daughter, June Britt Meehan.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, with the Rev. Tommy Reynolds and the Rev. Betsy Caudill officiating in the St. Luke’s Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Graz ‘N Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, 14492 Ivor Road, Sedley, VA 23878. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.RWBakerFH.com.