Charles William "Billy" Austin

Ruffin – Charles William “Billy” Austin, 80, of Ruffin, passed away on Sunday, November 5th, 2017, at Hospice Home of Rockingham County. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Wednesday, November 8th, 2017, at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, with Rev. Lee Eggers officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 P.M., Tuesday, at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at the home, 2134 Mayfield Rd in Ruffin. Billy was born on September 7, 1937, in Danville, VA, to the late Thomas B. and Estelle Pryor Austin. He worked for over 32 years at Norfolk Southern Railroad, retiring as a yardmaster. Additionally, he was a lifelong farmer. Billy played baseball for Virginia Tech and later played and umpired baseball. He was well-known and respected as a softball player, coach, and umpire for church, recreational, and competitive teams. As an active and faithful member of Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, Billy enjoyed sharing the bounty from his garden with others, and giving gifts to those less fortunate, especially around the holidays. He was a very loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Coleen Cox Austin; his children, Chuck Austin and wife Leslie, Laura McClure and husband Doug, William Austin and wife Pam, Melanie Neal and husband Steve; his grandchildren Jacob and Kacie Neal, Sarah Beth Austin; step-grandchildren, Preston and Sherie Mahan, Carla Neal, Christal Chapman, Chip McClure; step-great grandchildren, Joshua and Jordan Mahan, Jacob and Ashlyn Chapman; sister, Jean Shelton, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, General Fund, c/o Connie Jones, 391 Williamson Creek Road, Ruffin, NC 27326. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be sent to www.wilkersonfuneral.com.