George Austin passed away June 28, 2017, due to complications of orthopedic surgery. He is survived by his wife Leslyn Spiegelberg, mother Nell Tyson, daughter Adrienne Austin (Lance Bradley), son Dewon Turpin (Audra), granddaughters Leyla and Lexi Bradley and Dewon Turpin, Jr. He is also survived by brothers Eugene Austin (Linda), Fred (Sherry) and Carl Houston, a special niece Lisa Ensley, and was preceded in death by his sister Sylvia Houston.
George was born in a small coal mining town in West Virginia, and raised in Canton, Ohio. He graduated from Canton’s McKinley High School, which launched his lifetime love of football and his dedication to high school athletics. He was a graduate of UC Berkeley and found his passion in teaching, coaching and mentoring youth at El Cerrito High School. He was a teacher and football coach for more than 30 years and touched the lives of countless young people across Richmond and El Cerrito.
George was an avid reader, an aficionado of history, and a sports enthusiast. He had a lifelong love of music appreciating all genres, but favoring smooth jazz. George’s gift for connecting with people transcended all barriers; he developed affectionate relationships with people to last a lifetime. He was a legend within the local high school sports community and among the generations of students whose paths he crossed. Most importantly, George was a loving husband, father, son and grandfather who will be missed.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 at the Hope Lutheran Church, 2830 May Rd. in El Sobrante, CA.
In honor of the memory of George Austin, we have created a memorial scholarship fund to be awarded to a student(s) graduating from El Cerrito High School. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made toward the George Austin Memorial Scholarship, West Contra Costa Public Education Fund, 217C West Richmond Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801. The Ed. Fund’s tax ID is 68-0005307.