Visitation Friday May 26, 2023, from 6:00-8:00PM at Chandler’s Funeral Home. Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, 11:00AM at Greater Hurst Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Arnold Cuthbert Austin was born on May 20, 1930, in Venture, St. John,
Barbados to Edgar Austin and Nellie Riley.
Arnold attended school in St. John, Barbados and was self-employed in the
lawn/landscaping business for over 50 plus years. He also worked in the
construction industry. Arnold was of the Christian faith. He traveled to the United
States in 1945 to the Belle Glade and Miami, Florida areas on an agricultural
contract. He lived in Miami, Alabama and eventually resided in Sarasota, Florida.
Arnold was a hard worker and worked until he was 87 years old.
He would spend his days listening to oldie music, reading the New York Times,
and keeping up with current events. Arnold was a philosopher, a teacher, and a
great conversationalist on almost any subject. He was a strong believer in the
value of good education and honest work.
Arnold was an extraordinary person and never forgot where he came from. He
would visit Barbados over several years with his last visit being on June 26, 2018,
where he visited family and friends. Arnold became a citizen in the year 2016, at
the age of 86 years old. He continued to prepare his own meals until the age of
92 and loved good fried fish and rice.
On May 13, 2023, Arnold knew his journey on earth was nearing. He said, “I
lived a good life and I have no regrets. To my family, take care of yourselves and
love each other.”
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Treccer Austin, parents, Edgar Austin
and Nellie Riley, brothers, Grantley Riley, Edgar Riley and Dunlop Riley, sisters,
Peggy Riley and Gwyneth Riley
He is survived by…
Sons: Trevor Kirton of England, Arnold Austin of Apollo Beach, FL,
Michael Austin (Yolanda), Paul Austin and Jeffrey McKenzie, all of
Sarasota, FL;
Daughter: Rita McKenzie of Ocala, FL;
Brothers: Henderson Riley of GA and Duffrin Riley of Sarasota, FL;
Sisters: Veronica Riley of Barbados, Maureen Riley of CA and Annie Riley
of Barbados;
Niece: Dianne Riley of Sarasota, FL;
Ex-wife: Jeannette Austin of Sarasota, FL;
And a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends