Ronald Lee Austin

Ronald L. Austin passed away peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024, just ten days shy of his 83rd birthday. Ron was a man of warmth and generosity, known for his friendly nature and innate ability to make anyone feel at ease. He truly “never met a stranger,” and his approachable demeanor left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Born and raised southwest Oklahoma to John and Arvie Austin, Ron grew up on a 160-acre cotton sharecropping farm that his family worked for the King family. Life on the farm was modest—they didn’t have electricity until Ron was in third grade, and indoor plumbing wasn’t installed until after he left home. Despite these challenges, Ron’s childhood was rich with experiences, from to riding his beloved horse to swimming in Jay Buckle Springs during the hot Oklahoma summers.

After graduating from high school, Ron moved to Amarillo, Texas, seeking opportunities beyond the farm. Shortly after, his father purchased a tractor, prompting Ron to reflect that he might have stayed on the farm had it come earlier. His father, however, had envisioned more for Ron and encouraged his journey forward.

Ron’s first job in Amarillo ended after just one day because his employer refused to let him wear boots to work. The very next day, he was hired by National Cash Register (NCR), where he built a career that spanned decades. He began repairing mechanical cash registers and adapted to the company’s shift to computers, becoming a skilled technician for mainframe systems. His work took him all over the Texas Panhandle, maintaining systems for banks and other institutions.

During the Vietnam War, Ron’s expertise led him to serve abroad, installing communication systems for the U.S. military on behalf of NCR. It was during this time that his first son, John Byron Austin, was born. After returning stateside, Ron tried to build a life with John’s mother, Jane Bumpus, but their marriage was brief.

A few years later, Ron met Linda Louise Harris through mutual friends, and they married, raising two sons, Duke Wayne Austin and Colt Douglas Austin. Ron and Linda formed a tight-knit community of friends through NCR, spending weekends camping at the Canadian River or at Lake Merideth, with large caravans of trucks, campers, and off-road vehicles. Known by his CB handle, “Sandman,” Ron was at the heart of these adventures, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fun.

Though Ron was a heavy drinker in his early years, he made a life-changing decision to quit drinking and remained sober for nearly 40 years. He became an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he sponsored countless individuals and helped many reclaim their lives.

After his marriage to Linda ended, Ron remained a devoted father and friend, enjoying long-term relationships with Sonja and later Dana Cook-Cable. A social and active man, he loved square dancing, playing cards, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Recognizable by his ever-present cowboy boots and an outstretched hand, Ron’s warm smile and kind heart will be dearly missed.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, John Porter and Arvie Iona Austin (née Nix). 

He is survived by his sister Cindy Cooley (née Austin) and her husband Vernon Cooley; his nephews Steven Willoughby and Rodney Willoughby; his sons John Byron Austin, Duke Wayne Austin (partner Julie Kessler), and Colt Douglas Austin (wife Gypsy Austin); and his beloved grandchildren Kaiser Thomas Austin, Gillian Rose Austin, Sidney Porter Austin-Kessler, and Stella Kay Austin-Kessler.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Riverside Cemetery, 713 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Mangum, Oklahoma. Ron’s great nephew, Jakeb Willoughby, will officiate. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ron’s memory by extending kindness to others, just as he did every day of his life.