Tributes

Eugene Franklin Austin III, affectionately known as "Chucky" and "Gene," personified greatness. He entered this world May 10, 1957, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Jeanette and the late Eugene F. Austin Jr., and was called home by our Lord and Savior on September 25, 2022. Eugene was a devout Christian and baptized as a child at Friendship Baptist Church. As he traveled, he always found a place to worship. His most recent church home was Meadowbrook Church of Ocala, Florida. Gene received his education in Baltimore City Public Schools. He was a talented athlete who excelled in football and track and field, earning distinction as the second top sportsmen in the state. Thus, he was nicknamed “Tadpole,” carrying on the legacy of his cousin Gregory, “Leapfrog”, who was number one in the state. After graduating from the historic Frederick Douglass High School, he attended Tuskegee Institute and Norfolk State University. While in college he was an active member of The National Society of Pershing Rifles, a fraternal military drill and honor society. Expanding his fraternal endeavors, he also became a Master Mason (Prince Hall, Electric City Lodge) in 1995. Eugene married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Renee (né Brown) in 1977. From that union of 33 years, four children were born: Erica, Elisha, Eileen, and Eugene IV. Gene and Val’s legacy was to prepare them for a life of service to His kingdom and to humanity. In 2010, after a lengthy illness Valerie was called home to be with the Lord. Chucky joined the US Army in 1979 and had an extraordinary Military Career. He demonstrated skill throughout his time there by obtaining a number of certifications, including those for Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer, Force Development, Battalion Management, and Primary Leadership Development, among others. A Military Police Officer for 20 years, Eugene served in Germany, Panama, Haiti, and South Korea. Stateside, he was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Meade, Maryland; and Fort Benning, Georgia. He held many posts including SWAT, Air Assault, Counter Sniper, German Headstart, Security for the 1996 Olympics, and Security Detail for President George H.W. Bush in 1994. Gene was the recipient of a host of awards for notable Military Service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Retiring with an Honorable Discharge in 1999, he went on to work as a Private Investigator. Thereafter he started a career with Walmart Distribution Centers, working in Georgia, Delaware, and Florida; and earning the 15 Year Star Asset Protection Supervisor Award. He was later employed at a correctional facility for troubled youth and finally with Dignity Memorial Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Later in life, Eugene found love again. He met Kelly Harrison in the state of Delaware, and they were married in 2011. They built a life together in Ocala, FL, savoring quality time on the beach, and nurturing their blended family. He affectionately called Kelly, “My Love”. Chucky loved fishing, grilling/barbequing, and playing guitar. He loved music, especially jazz, R&B, and gospel. An avid gamer, he also enjoyed flying drones and being near the water, especially Destin, FL beach. Gene was a “Trekkie” and appreciated watching old cowboy and martial arts movies. He had a passion for football, rooting for his hometown team, the Baltimore Ravens. As the oldest of his siblings, he was a family man, and always there to lend a helping hand. Eugene was a devoted son, brother, and helped to raise nieces, nephews, and mentor younger cousins. He was truly an honorable man and made this world a better place for others. Eugene was preceded in death by his father Eugene Austin Jr., and first wife Valerie. He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother Jeanette Austin; his wife Kelly Austin; his children Erica Ash (Cory), Elisha “Bucky” Austin (Christian), Eileen “Sparkle” Austin (Thomas), Eugene “CJ” Austin IV (Myra), Danielle Harrison, Tequia Cooper-Young (Chaz), Kelvin Cooper, Danny Keller, Kyra Cooper; siblings Michael (Wanda), Rodney (Margaret) and Cheryl (d. Robert); brother in-laws Steven, and Kenenth; sister in-laws Kathy and Michelle; grandchildren Corvell, Jakayla, Daphni, Caliyah, Sydney, Simone, Cailin, Caden, Kailynn “Anton,” Josiah, Leah, Eryonna, Elisha Jr., Jaela, Laila, Corinthian, Marcella, Alivia, Naviah, Isaac, and Carter; great-grandchildren Paris and Caiden; mother-in-love Hannah M. Johnson (Bill); Godparents Marguerite Quarles and John “Snap” Griffin; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, neighbors and friends. We will forever miss you!

Tributes

Eugene F. Austin III

May 10, 1957 - September 25, 2022