William Austin Jr., or Billy as he was affectionately known, was the oldest of 3 children born to the union of Dorothy Hulsey and William Austin Sr. on April 28, 1953 in Jefferson City, Mo. In later years Dorothy wed Richard Deed and to that union another sister Richelle was born. Both parents and a grandson preceded him in death.

The family relocated to Kansas City where he received his education in the public school system. He attended Paseo High School where he was on the basketball team. He graduated in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1978 having earned an honorable discharge. He wed his high school sweetheart Joanie Britton on June 1, 1974 and 3 children were born to the marriage. He attended culinary classes at the Guadalupe Center and went on to become a chef at his last place of employment, The Corner Restaurant for 18 years until his retirement in 2012. His favorite things to do were playing chess and dominoes and of course cooking. He and Joanie shared 52 years of marriage until he answered the Lord's call on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Joanie of the home, two sons William III, Hollywood (Independence) and a daughter Staci (KCMO). He leaves 3 siblings; a brother, Robert Austin of Dyersburg, Tennessee; and two sisters, Alice Smith of Kansas City and Richelle Watkins (Mark) of Toledo, Ohio. Three grandchildren: Caidan Austin, James Austin, William Austin IV, and Marquon Wilson (deceased). Four nephews: Jawann and Jesse Austin of (KCMO); Joshua and Joseph Watkins (Toledo); and a niece, Robyn Wagner of Texas. A maternal aunt, Martha Dickerson of St. Louis, Illinois, and maternal uncle, Eugene Hulsey; and a host of cousins, other family, and many friends.