George C. Austin

NEWPORT NEWS - George C. Austin began his journey into heaven Wednesday night, Jan. 9, 2008.
Born in Newark, N.J., Nov. 5, 1921, he spent his boyhood days in Montclair, N.J. He moved to the Peninsula at the early age of 16, and attended Hampton Institute. He graduated from Hampton Institute in 1940. He worked for a brief time at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company before joining the United States Navy in May of 1944. He finished his Navy career with an Honorable Discharge, with several commendations from the United States Navy for service, including the Asiatic Pacific Area, American Area, and Victory World War II.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Connie Thompson Ryder, formerly of Goldsboro, N.C.; one beloved stepson, Victor Ryder and his wife, Annette Mallin Ryder, of Munich, Germany; and one granddaughter, Gwendolyn Ryder of New York City.
George served actively on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Peninsula Boys and Girls Club since 1970. He has also been an active Board member of the Tidewater Chapter of the American Automobile Association since 1988. Both of these activities were dear to him.
George was a member of Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years. Over the years, he has served as Deacon, Elder, Church Administrator, Director of Vacation Bible School, Chairman of the Christian Education Ministry, and also served as Moderator of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.
He joined the Newport News Police Department June 18, 1947, becoming the third minority policeman in the City's history. As a Patrolman, he walked a beat on Jefferson Avenue, and progressively rose through the ranks.
In 1959, he became the first minority to reach the rank of Sergeant, and in 1963, the first minority to become a Lieutenant in the State of Virginia.
In 1967, Parade magazine selected him as one of the Nation's Top Ten Policemen.
Two years later, in 1969, he received his Captain's bars. In 1970, he was promoted to the rank of Major. He was named Police Chief in 1975, and was the first minority appointed to the high ranking position of Police Chief in the State of Virginia.
He retired from the Police Department in February of 1983, with over 35 years of service. He remained active in the Newport News Police Department Retired Officers Association.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 17, at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Lawrence L. Willis, Pastor.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to the Virginia Peninsula Boys and Girls Club at the following address: Administrative Office, 11825 Rock Landing Drive, Chesapeake Building, Suite B, Newport News, VA 23606. Phone: (757) 223-7204. Fax: (757)223-7206
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.