Ernest Austin Jr., affectionately known as Little Ernie or Ernie, was born on May 7, 1947 to Mattie Williams and Ernest Austin, Sr. in Washington, DC. He was baptized at an early age at Isle of Patmos Baptist Church, which led to his faithful relationship with the Lord through many of life's trials. He departed this life peacefully on September 1, 2014.

Ernie attended Washington DC public schools during his primary years, then attended DeMatha Catholic High School. During his years at DeMatha , he made many lifelong friends as he pursued his passion for playing basketball. His passion led to multiple team championships, a 1966 1st Team All-Met honor, and a victory in the 1965 DeMatha vs. Power Memorial high school basketball game, which he considered the best game he ever played. After graduating from DeMatha, Ernie received a basketball scholarship to attend Syracuse University where he continued to excel in his passion for basketball, and where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Ernest was a good family man , father , and husband. He was married in 1969 to the late Shirley Taylor and later married again in 1997 to his present wife Carolyn Lowery. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea Austin-Flack and his brother, Reginald Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Carolyn Lowery; mother, Mattie Williams; father, Ernest Austin, Sr.; daughter, Cessily Greene; son, Damon Murphy ; stepdaughter, Kimisha Spear; six grand-daughters, Jade, Eyvonne, Deja, Amira, Andrea, and Gabrielle; one grandson, Maxwell; two sisters, Mary Winston and Alicia Davis; two brothers, Maurice Austin, Sr. and Tyrone Austin ; extended brothers and sisters, Vonzella Hubbard, Keith Davenport, and Richard Crayton; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Murphy; two son-in-laws, Russell Greene, Jr. and Mitchell Spear; four sister-in-laws, Shirley Austin, Marcella Lowery, Teddi Lowery, and Christine Lowery; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and devoted friends.