Paul C. "Chrissy" Austin Jr. of Farrell passed away of natural causes at 8:38 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2016, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System, after an extended illness. He was 55.

Mr. Austin was born Jan. 9, 1961, in Sharon, a son of Paul C. Austin Sr. and Gladys Williams Knight.

He attended Farrell High School where he was a standout basketball player and earned his welding certificate from the New Castle School of Trades.

Paul was a self-employed contractor for many years until his health declined.

He was an active member of Greater Mt. Zion Church of God, Farrell, where he participated in the Men's Ministry, sang in its Sunshine Band, mentored the young men of the church, and was instrumental in helping to remodel the kitchen.

He also volunteered at the Prince of Peace Center, Farrell.

Chrissy enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, fishing and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Surviving are: his mother, of Sharon; his father of Campbell, Ohio; four daughters, Desarie Garner, Farrell; Shavett Hilton and her husband Cory; Sylvia Ferguson, all Sharon; and Katrina Austin, Hermitage; three sons, Justin Culp and his wife Lisa, Boardman, Ohio; Carlos Campbell, Columbus, Ohio; and DeAndre Campbell, Masury; his fiance, Zaneta Vanderveen, Farrell; six sisters, Marcia Shannonhouse and her husband Gene, Los Angeles; Michelle Pinkins and her husband Robert, Farrell; Lashawndra Austin, Pittsburgh; Destiny White, Detroit, Mich.; and Brittany Austin and La'Contia Austin, both Campbell, Ohio; three brothers, Charles Williams and his wife April, Masury; Michael Austin, Youngstown; and Jeffrey Austin, Lordstown, Ohio; seven grandchildren; two step-sisters, Leslie Moore and Jackie Holland, both of Columbus, Ohio; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and his loyal dog, Primo.

Paul was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; and a nephew, RaShawn Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Calling hour: 10 to 11 a.m. Monday (7-11-16) in Greater Mt. Zion Church of God, Farrell.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Monday (7-11-16) in the church with the Rev. Tyrone Steals, pastor, officiating.

Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.