Austin Johnson, Jr., was born on January 22, 1953, in Harris County, Texas, to the late Austin Johnson, Sr., and Lonnie Mae Johnson. In his early years, he joined the New Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, under Reverend Wesley Renfro. Austin went to Burkeville I.S.D. and graduated in the Class of 1973.

Austin was a commercial driver in Newton County. He also had numerous other jobs, including Wiergate Lumbar Company and Louisiana Pacific. Austin would always be ready to drive. He loved his family and always took care of them. He loved praying, singing, and teaching whatever he learned. His favorite songs were "It's a Thin Line Between Love and Hate" and "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay".

Austin Johnson, Jr., peacefully departed this life on January 9, 2026, early in the morning in Newton County after a long 15-year battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin Johnson, Sr., and Lonnie Mae Johnson; his grandmother, Gertrude Calhoun; sister, Sheila Rawls; brother, Anthony Johnson; and one nephew, Curtis Glenn, Jr.

Austin leaves to cherish his loving memories: the love of his life, Alice Faye Davis of Wiergate, TX; Joynell Johnson of Jacksonville, TX; five sons, Ricky Maze, Sr. (Elisa), of Silsbee, TX, Michael Anthony Johnson (Raina) of Alto, TX, Dwight Austin Johnson (Angela) of Houston, TX, Jamel Johhnson of Wiergate, TX, and Cardell Davis (Courtney) of Beaumont, TX; two daughters, Carla Marie Johnson (Brittany) of Houston, TX, and LaDonna Davis (Joe) of Wiergate, TX; fifteen grandchildren; stepfather, LJ King of Jasper; two brothers, Gary Johnson (Patricia), and Craig Johnson (Gail), all of Jasper, TX; four sisters, Augustine Samuel (Robert) of Wiergate, TX, Gail Adams (Billy) and Sandra Limbrick, both of Jasper, TX, and Brenda Payton (Jerry) of Mississippi; one uncle, Robert Calhoun of Houston, TX; one aunt, Gertie Mae Buckner of Houston, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.