Clyde with grandson Casey Tolson, and wife, Virginia
Clyde with grandson Casey Tolson, and wife, Virginia

Clyde Sherrill Austin, 91, of Ocracoke, NC died at his home on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Born in Hatteras on April 10, 1926, he was the son of the late Ivey Austin and Ida Peele Austin.

Clyde was one of the four original crew members who started the Hatteras Inlet Ferry Service in the 1950’s. In 1986, he retired after 30 years of service with the NCDOT Ferry Division. Clyde then worked as a maintenance man at the Island Inn for years and was a caretaker of several properties on Portsmouth Island.

Clyde is survived by two daughters, Tammy Tolson and Trudy Austin; a grandson, Casey Tolson; and son-in-law, David Tolson.

Along with his parents, Clyde was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Howard Austin, whom he married in 1959; brothers, Ivey Austin, Jr. and Clifton Austin; and a sister, Lucy Kathrine Ballance.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at Ocracoke United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Bryant officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960 and Ocracoke United Methodist Church, 71 School Road, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.