Gerald Andre Austin

Gerald Andre’ Austin was born on March 25, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to Floyd Leon Austin Jr. and Charlene Gertrude Austin. Early in his childhood, the Austin family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where Gerald attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary and Junior High School, followed by Bishop Lillis High School. It was during these formative years that he discovered his deep love for music. With a keen ear and heartfelt passion, he joined the school choir, where he began shaping the voice and sound that would become uniquely his own.

While in Kansas City, Gerald also took a job at Royal Stadium, where he had the unforgettable opportunity to see some of his favorite artists perform live—a front-row experience that deepened his passion for music and performance.

The family later moved to Long Beach, California, where Gerald would meet the Anderson family and, ultimately, his future wife, Anita Anderson. He attended Lakewood High School and proudly graduated with the Class of 1979. Not long after, Gerald enlisted in the United States Navy. During his four years of honorable service, he forged lifelong bonds with fellow servicemen—most notably Edward Copeland, Jerry Coleman, Robert Gray, and Victor Williams—relationships he cherished and honored throughout his life.

On June 30, 1984, Gerald married the love of his life, Anita R. Austin. Their union was one of deep love, unwavering friendship, and mutual respect. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters—Deja, Marche’, and Geneva—each of whom he adored and supported with every fiber of his being. As a father, Gerald was patient, present, and deeply devoted. He led by example, creating a home filled with warmth, music, laughter, and powerful life lessons.

Gerald took pride in his work and fulfilled many roles throughout his life. He was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital, worked in construction, and later served with the United States Postal Service, from which he eventually retired. No matter the title or task, Gerald was known as a man who took care of business—with integrity, consistency, and a quiet sense of responsibility.

Though his professional life was diverse, Gerald never let go of his first love—music. A talented songwriter and producer, he spent countless hours crafting ballads that reflected his love for Anita, his views on the world, and his passion for the art itself. He often pulled his daughters away from the TV to rehearse his songs, stressing things like pronunciation, vocal control, and stage presence. With signature directives like, “Don’t sing through your nose!” and the unforgettable, “Eat the mic ni**a!”, Gerald’s creative drive earned him the affectionate nickname “Joe Jackson 2.0” among family and friends.

Gerald was nothing if not authentic. A die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, he was known to watch games fully decked out in Chiefs gear—head to toe, socks included—yelling at the TV with legendary commentary, including his infamous game-day call: “Run, ni**a, run!”

He was passionate, bold, and unapologetically himself—never one to sugarcoat his truth, but always someone you could count on.

Of all the roles he cherished in life, none brought him more joy than being a grandfather. Gerald was blessed with five beloved grandchildren—Sariyah, Dae’John, Laila, Zyra, and Fredrick III—whom he adored beyond measure. Whether it was through gifts, guidance, laughter, or just quality time, Gerald poured his heart into each of them, offering the same unconditional love and wisdom he had always given his daughters.

Gerald leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Anita R. Austin; his daughters, Deja Austin, Marche’ Austin-Barnes, and Geneva Austin-West; his devoted sons-in-law, Lamont Jackson, Terell Barnes, and Fredrick West Jr.; and his beloved grandchildren, Sariyah Ward, Dae’John Ward, Laila Barnes, Zyra Barnes, and Fredrick West III. He is survived by his siblings: Terrance H. Austin, Marc P. Austin, Claudette Y. Allen, Brenda Short, Charlotte Rollins, and Anita Jones. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Geneva Anderson and a host of in-laws, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Floyd L. Austin Jr., Mother Charlene G. Austin, and brother, Floyd L. Austin III.

Gerald Andre’ Austin was a man of deep roots, strong values, and an even stronger presence. A man of God, he was known for his honesty, generosity, playfulness, and unwavering moral compass. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and carried a heart full of loyalty and devotion to those he cared for. Gerald always “kept it real”—speaking truth with boldness, unfiltered but always grounded in sincerity and love. He leaves behind a legacy that will echo through the songs he wrote, the children he raised, and the countless stories shared by those who knew him. His voice—both literal and figurative—will be missed but never forgotten.