Austin Lee Speed Jr., affectionately known as Audie, was born on January 26, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Austin and Laura Speed. He was the third oldest of six children.

In 1975, while attending East High School, Austin enlisted into the United States Army. He completed his education and received his diploma while enlisted. After being honorably discharged, Austin continued his education at trade school, pursuing certification in automotive repair.

Austin was a dedicated and hardworking individual, holding various jobs throughout his life, including automotive repair, working at the VA Medical Center with his father, and working in construction with his brother Orlando. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a truck driver with the United States Postal Service, where he made many friends who described him as a joy to work with.

In his early twenties, Austin embraced the teachings of Islam but later rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and identified as a Baptist. He often shared that he prayed every night, especially for his family.

Family was paramount to Austin, and he deeply cherished his children. He met Renee Fletcher, and in 1975, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Yolanda. A year after leaving the service, he met and soon married Linda Parker, and together they had a son, Austin III and a daughter, Lakeeta. Although they divorced, they remained friends until his passing. Several years ago, Austin was found by Shonda, whom he and his family warmly embraced as his daughter.

Austin had a passion for cars, motorcycles, sports, music, and spending time with family and friends. His charisma and good looks were matched by his love for dressing sharply and hitting the dance floor. He particularly enjoyed holidays with his sister Navita’s cooking. And even though he had a love/hate relationship with the Browns, he loved watching the games with his brother Donnie. Austin also possessed a beautiful singing voice, often compared to Smokey Robinson and Kem, and he performed at many weddings and events.

Most notably, Austin had a remarkable ability to make people laugh. He brought joy and laughter to everyone he met with his jokes, voice impressions, and humorous stories that would leave you in stitches.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Austin was received into the arms of the Lord on September 11, 2024.
Austin is preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Laura Speed; his sister, Linda Speed; his brother, Orlando Speed.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter and will be deeply missed. Austin is survived by his son, Austin (Lyn) Speed III; his daughters, Yolanda Fletcher, Shonda (Emmett Jr) Jones, and Lakeeta (Clarence) Carter; his 14 grandchildren, Demond, Daijah, Terrell, Jaylen, Yazmine, Austin IV, Keith, Indiya, Curtis, Aniyah, Katelyn, Landon, Sydney, and Kendall; his 3 great- grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jaleel, and Kayden; his brothers, Jerry (Vanessa) Jamie, and Donnie Speed; his sister, Navita Speed; his uncle, Ronnie (Angela) Speed; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.