Dr. E. Austin

Raymond E. Austin, PhD., of Louisville, KY, passed away September 18th in the University of Louisville Trauma Center following a fall on September 11th that resulted in a massive brain injury.

Raymond Edwin Austin was born in Princeton, WV, to the late Otella and Lowell Austin. Ray was born after his older brother, Howard. Other siblings followed, a second brother and twin sisters. Ray was also preceded in death by Howard.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Laura Mang Austin, his best friend and willing partner in adopting dogs and rabbits; family members left to cherish memories of Ray include sister-in-law, Honor McClellan Austin; brother, Larry Austin; former sister-in-law, Linda Austin; sisters, Helen Austin Ryan (J.B.) and Ellen Friend (Tom); cousins, Virgil Davis (Betty), Joyce Kwedor and Francine Cherry. This part of Ray's family also gave him three generations of nieces and nephews who enjoyed his quick wit and kind ways. Ray will also be missed by his in-laws. Laura's family includes Michael and Lucy Mang, Virginia and Robert Day, Monica Hilmer and nine nieces, nephews and great-nephews.

Ray graduated from Athens High School, Class of '64. He remained best friends with many of his classmates. His academic achievements were numerous, including degrees from Concord University (College), West Virginia University and Virginia Tech. He optimized use of his education to further his career in the healthcare industry working with a variety of facilities, including being one of the original members of the Mercer County, WV, Health Council. He later joined the faculties of the University of Louisville and the University of Illinois where he taught and mentored graduate students in the field of Health Management and System Sciences. Dr. Austin received recognition several times for his excellence in teaching.

Ray enjoyed a variety of activities — he was a trumpet player in the Athens High School Marching Band, he taught himself to play guitar and he was a fan of "cool" cars, all things automotive and college sports. He liked a good card game played with his family and friends (because he almost always beat everybody). There was nothing he enjoyed more than exploring the world with Laura. He loved spending time with her. They were the epitome of a match made in Heaven (despite having met at a college party).


Visitation will be from 10am to 12pm on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243. A celebration of Ray's life will be there at 12pm, followed by interment at Floydsburg Cemetery, Crestwood, Kentucky.


At a future date, the family will host a Memorial Service at Princeton Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in Athens, West Virginia. It will be a celebration of Ray's life. We know his Spirit will be with us there and always.

Ray loved domestic animals and wildlife, both often seen from behind a camera lens. A contribution in his memory may be made to one of his favorite animal charities. He will be honored by your remembrance.

The Kentucky Humane Society
1000 Lyndon Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40222

Hope For Wildlife
5909 Hwy 207
Sea Forth, Nova Scotia
BOJ 2LO

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