Richard Dean Austin, age 60 of Sparta passed away tragically April 16, 2024.  He was born January 17, 1964 in Crossville, TN.  He was the seventh child of the late Elanze Austin, Jr. and Barbara Anne Austin.  Richard was also preceded in death by his 2 brothers:  Elanze Austin III and Billie Roberts Austin and 2 sisters:  Teresa Fay Austin and Mariann Spivey.

Richard grew up on Bon Air Mountain and was a free spirited happy child.  He was an auto and diesel mechanic most of his life.  He and his brothers and their sons (and sometimes their sisters and daughters) were always working on some old car. They always had grease under their fingernails and could pretty much fix anything.  He loved muscle cars and had a few during his lifetime.

He is survived by his daughter:  Sharree Austin & son Corey Austin of Jacksonville, Florida and Tyler Austin of Sparta,TN and the mother of his children: Carrie Austin also of Sparta.

Grandchildren:  Talencia, Tatiana, Ticarra, Anthony, Ethan and Skyler Fay

Two Sisters:  June (Richard) Jennings of Smithville TN and Peggy Austin of Crossville,TN

Along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Richard was a very kind person. He was loved by many and will sorely be missed.

Service will be held Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 12 noon until servce time at the funeral home.  Richard's wishes are for his ashes to be scattered on his family's property in Cumberland County at a later date