Frank Maurice Barry-Austin

His Journey Frank Maurice Barry-Austin was born on February 21, 1929, in Guyana, South America. He spent his childhood years there and later met and married Joan Talbott. Together they had a son, Clarence. While still in Guyana, Frank gave his life to the Lord and entered the Salvation Army Training College with his wife in 1954. His life as a Salvation Army Officer took him and his family to appointments throughout Jamaica, West Indies. These appointments included rural outposts “in the country,” which he could only reach on horseback. In the late fifties, he and Joan separated from the Army, and began a new life in the United State. Frank’s life in the U.S. was an adventure. His family settled in the Bronx and established a lifelong bond with the Salvation Army’s Harlem Temple Corps. Frank particularly enjoyed his tenure as a member of the Corps’ band. Enduring friendships were formed and the Army became his extended family. After many years in New York, and after he and Joan ended their marriage, Frank met and married wife Hermine. They relocated to Florida and spent many happy years together enjoying the warmer climate and a quieter lifestyle. Once there, he first attended the Salvation Army, Hialeah Corps where he served as Bandmaster. He later found a new church home at the Words of Life Church in Miami, where he served as an Usher for many years. Frank’s health and fitness were very important to him. He went to the gym regularly well into his 80s and reveled in being able to do squats, box with his great grandchildren and climb mango trees in his backyard. All who knew Frank would agree that he loved life and was great fun to be around. He was also resourceful and very driven to succeed. He enjoyed hobbies including music and gardening, but perhaps his favorite hobby was traveling. He often spoke of the enjoyment he and Hermine had on the many cruises they took. Frank cared deeply for others, and his abiding optimism and unwavering faith in God prepared him to face any obstacles life presented. His greatest joy, after his devotion to Christ, and his church was his love of family. He never missed an opportunity to tell all who would listen about the accomplishments of his son and his wife, and his grandchildren. He loved them deeply and never failed to let them know. He leaves behind his son: Clarence (Carol); grandchildren: Carla (Michael), Tracy, and Brian; great-grandchildren: Mason, Kyle, Avaj, and Jaxson; beloved sisters: Pamela, Colleen, and Joan, and a host of other beloved family members, and friends. God bless & keep you Dad (also known as Grandad and “GGD” (for Great Grandad)). You were God’s gift to us. We will love you always.

Frank Maurice Barry-Austin

February 21, 1929 - May 1, 2023

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