A Tribute to my Daddy, Billy Gene Austin November 23, 1945 – May 2, 2020 Father’s Day June 21, 2020 My Baba (Daddy). There's so much I would like to say to you about you - nothing that you don't already know nor haven't already heard. As a child, you were my super hero, my knight in shining armor, my security and my playmate. I had my very own Sportsman. I could remember taking your trophies and putting my dolls clothes on them and you just sat there and allowed me to do so. You always had a way of keeping a smile on not just my face but the faces of others. As I got older, I began to realize that you were a man of many other names, not just Daddy. There was Big Duck, Sip, Bill, Nassau Daddy and School to name a few. And with each name came the life of the party. There was neither a dull moment, nor a dry eye in a room when you were present. You lit up a room with laughter. Jokes and clichés were your specialty. As I became an adult, your roles changed. You were always Daddy but then came the Counselor, the Protector, the Provider of Knowledge and the Greatest "BanDaddy" (as your granddaughters called you) on this Continent. You never ended a conversation with me without teaching, providing, and counseling me with something I can take back and teach my girls. No wonder they called you "School". I will always remember you saying: "What's in your tower?" "Never let your tower lean” and my favorite: "Things understood needs no explanation". You taught me how to teach my girls. You laid the foundation and most of all you showed me how a man is supposed to treat a woman. A Lion King you are and will always be. My Daddy, My Baba, My Father. Much Love to you, Your daughter, Dena and your granddaughters, Kenya & India
