William Austin, Jr.

William Martin “Billy” Austin, Jr., 69, of Pittsburgh, formerly Farrell, PA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in his home.

Billy was born on July 15, 1957, in Sharon, a son of the late William and Betty L. (Claiborne) Austin, Sr. He was raised and educated in Farrell, PA, graduating from Farrell High School in 1975, and later served in the U.S. Air Force.

Billy was passionate about serving others. He dedicated his time to being an advocate and liaison for homeless veterans in the Pittsburgh area.

A music connoisseur, he shared his love of music and made mixed CD’s for all his family and friends. Everyone knows that Bill was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. He took a lot of grief from his friends in “hostile territory” (Pittsburgh Steelers), but he held his own because his blood ran blue, white and silver. His favorite saying was “How about those Dallas Cowboys”

Billy and his partners in crime, Caroline Daniels, Atlas Ford, Richie Smith and Billy Austin, started a walking group called “CARB” holding each other accountable to live a healthier lifestyle. What they didn’t imagine was how they became such an inspiration to so many others.

Billy is survived by his twin sons, William Martin, III and David Austin, both of Youngstown, OH; a sister Deborah Henry (Undre), of Grand Prairie; two brothers, Kevin G. Irvins-Austin, of North Babylon, NY, and Kyle J. Austin, of Sharon, PA; cousin, Freda Claiborne-Armour, reared as a sibling, of Grand Prairie, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his two brothers, David Austin and William Austin, III. Also, his two cousins, Gregory R. Claiborne and Anthony K. Claiborne, who were reared as siblings.

Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday (08/25/2026) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St. Sharon, PA.

Funeral Service will be immediately following at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, with Rev. T. James Harrison officiating.