Tommy “Sonny” Austin, Jr.
October 17, 1953 – June 27, 2026
CASTLEWOOD, VIRGINIA – Tommy “Sonny” Austin, Jr., 72, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Ballad Health Hospice House in Bristol, Tennessee.
He was born in Norton, Virginia, the son of the late Tommy Gold Sr. and Estelle Wolfe Austin. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Austin and Nancy Austin.
Known to most as “Sonny,” he was outgoing, kind-hearted, and always willing to lend a helping hand. A man of the Pentecostal faith, he enjoyed fishing, restoring old cars, and volunteering in his community. He was also a dedicated coal miner and a proud member of U.M.W.A. Local #7950, where he formed many lasting friendships throughout his career.
Sonny began serving with the St. Paul Fire Department at the age of ten, proudly served as Fire Chief of the Copper Creek Moccasin Volunteer Fire Department for thirty-one years, and was also a dedicated member of Castlewood Fire and Rescue. Throughout his years of service, he received numerous awards from the Virginia Fire Association in recognition of his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the fire service.
Sonny will be remembered for his selfless heart, unwavering dedication to serving others, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, and community.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Frances “Button” Austin; one son, Timothy Gold Austin and wife, Melissa; six grandchildren, Brittany White, Alexandria Austin, Zachary Austin, Daniel Hensley, Dylan Hensley, and Jacqueline Woodruff; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Katie Dinger; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside Services for Tommy “Sonny” Austin, Jr. will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in the Chapel of Love Mausoleum – Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, Virginia, with Rev. Dale Hall and Rev. Ted Rasnake officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood, Virginia. Family and friends will meet at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home and proceed to the cemetery, leaving at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Timothy Austin, John Perry, Timothy White, Daryl Marino, Dylan Hensley, and Daniel Hensley. Honorary pallbearer will be Robert Dixon.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood, Virginia. U.M.W.A. Rites will be conducted at 7:45 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, by the U.M.W.A. Subdistrict 28 Chaplain Corps.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or online at www.stjude.org/donate.
Online condolences may be sent to the Austin family through our website, and a video tribute may be viewed at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.