Robert Lee Austin was born on February 25, 1925 to the parents of Ruby Hickman and Robert Austin in Daingerfield, Texas. Robert was affectionately known as "Ped" and "Big Daddy" to both family and friends.

Robert graduated from Rhodes High School in Daingerfield, Texas. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Army. He had the distinct honor of assisting in the building of the Air Force base in Guam. When the opportunity presented itself, he would gladly share stories of that wonderful endeavor, to anyone that would listen. At the end of his enlistment with the Army, he married Ira Taylor and to this union, his son James Phillip Austin was born. Robert later married the love of his life, Oneida Harris and this marriage spanned more than 50 years, until her passing in October of 2010. Robert and Oneida were active members at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Robert was also a Knight of Columbus.

Robert held many jobs during his lifetime, all of which he was very proud of, but he loved his job at Cooper Tire and Rubber. During his tenure at Cooper Tire, he accumulated many years of perfect attendance and was loved and respected by all who worked with him. He retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber in the early 1990's at which time he continued working part-time for Bunch Wholesale. He was a man who had to stay busy.

Robert, known in Daingerfield for his work in the Daingerfield School System as PTA President, fought for students at Rhodes High School and worked tirelessly to keep them supplied with items needed to participate in sports at a time when black students needed supplies and opportunities. By contributing to various youth charities, he continued his desire to assist the youth.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Oneida Austin, and his daughter, Gwendolyn Killyon-Tandy, his mother, Ruby
Lynn, and his father, Robert Austin, his only brother, Ned, and his sisters, Jinny, Maggie, and Joyce. He leaves to cherish his memory: sister, Bobbie Cummings; son, James (Salome) Austin; grandchildren, Kay (Richard) Canida, Kimberly Pruitt, Karman (Steve) Barner, Kevin Austin and Kedrick Austin; great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Arianna (Lyrics), Camryn, Nicholas, Quincy, and Layla. He also leaves behind his beloved great-great-grandchildren: Cairo and Kyrie, as well as two step-great-great-grandchildren, Aniyah and Sariyah.