Willam "Tony" Austin Sr.

William Anthony Austin, Sr., age 53, was called to his heavenly home early Easter morning, April 9, 2023, after an extended period of illness. Tony, as he was lovingly referred to, was born on July 6, 1969, to Karen Carter and Robert Austin in Philadelphia, PA. His family later moved to Lancaster, PA, where Tony graduated from JP McCaskey High School. At age 11, he accepted Christ as His personal Savior and was baptized by his stepfather, Reverend Ronald Taliaferro, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in York, PA. At the time of Tony’s transition, he was employed with Crescent Park. Tony was a fun-loving person who was very protective of his family and friends. He truly lived up to the nicknames “Big Daddy” and “Big Tony.” While Superman was Tony’s favorite fictional action hero, his children and grandchildren saw Big Daddy as their real hero. Tony took great pleasure in the simplest things in life, like wrestling with his cousins, playing basketball with his friends, repeatedly watching Forest Gump and Major Payne with his family, cuddling up with his dogs, Max and Roco, and sitting quietly listening to all types of music. He enjoyed such hobbies as traveling on cruises and sampling various cuisines. He was a sports enthusiast who passionately cheered for his Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers teams. Tony was predeceased by his grandmother, Mrs. Joan Wiggins and his beloved brother, Mark Austin. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Danielle; a son William Austin Jr., and a daughter, Victoria Parrish; 4 grandchildren, Landon Austin, Malaya Austin, Skylar Austin, and Marcquese Parrish; his parents, Ronald and Karen Taliaferro; his brother, Robert “Bob” Austin, (Wendy), and his sister, Faith Taliaferro; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; his godmother, Novella West, his faithful companions Max and Roco; and beloved friends. He was a big man with a big heart who will never be forgotten. Now in the arms of God, you rest, with the one we know loves you best. A Going Home Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 21, 2023, at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 at 12 Noon. Friends are welcome to greet the family at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, 11 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17602. With Loving Hearts, The Family