Austin Ray Priest

Austin Ray Priest, 86, of Henderson passed away Sunday December 10, 2023 at Redbanks Colonial Terrace.

Austin was born in Henderson on February 14, 1937 to the late George Norris and Violet (Littlepage) Priest.

He was a retired Procurement Agent with Big Rivers. Austin was a lifelong Member of the Jerusalem Masonic Lodge #9, Past President, and former clown for the Henderson Shriner’s. He loved playing golf and volunteered each week at the Audubon Golf Course. He was also an avid UK basketball fan. Austin enjoyed traveling with his wife and their friends during his retirement; as well as, riding around in his truck, Harley and GEM car. Most of all, Austin was very proud of and loved his children and grandchildren dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rita Cottingham.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years Judy Priest; two children, Jama Bennett (Rick) of Vine Grove, KY, Kip Priest (Christy) of Henderson; one brother Norris Priest of Henderson; one sister Sunga Kenyon of Decatur, AL; four grandchildren, Taylor Bennett of Elizabethtown, Brooks Bennett of Madisonville, Kaci Large and Craig Priest both of Henderson; one great-grandchild Rhett Allen Large, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be 2:00 PM Thursday December 14, 2023 at Tomblinson Funeral Home, Henderson Chapel with Bro. Alan Chamness officiating.

Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Rick Bennett, Brooks Bennett, Craig Priest, Cody Large, Bret Cottingham and Neal Priest. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Willett, Ernest “Buck” Mays and Buddy Newman.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Shriner’s of Henderson or Jerusalem Masonic Lodge #9.