Claude V. Young, 87, of Fitzgerald, died Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Pruitt Health in Ocilla.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Monday, February 22, 2016, at Eastside Holiness Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Donald Burke, the Rev. Gene Chaney, the Rev. Kenneth Mathews, and the Rev. Ben Culpepper officiating. His grandson, Chris Young, will read a poem. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Sunday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. Young was born May 6, 1928, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Lonnie & Fannie Carver Young. He was a life-long farmer, having started his career at age 8 on a turpentine farm. A lover of work, he saw caring for nature and working the land as his life’s passion. He was an active charter member of Eastside Holiness Baptist Church where he was the oldest living member and served as a deacon.
He is survived by his children and their spouses: Larry & Janet Young of Fitzgerald and Tim & Jeanna Young of Fitzgerald, and Judy & Randall Croy of Moultrie; grandchildren: Jennifer & Ben Culpepper, Jamie & Kelly Croy, Chris Young, Megan & Spanky Thornton; great-grandchildren: Emily Culpepper, Joel Culpepper, Hartley Croy, Brooks Croy, Cade Thornton, and Cooper Thornton; and one sister, Brenda Cromartie of Fitzgerald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Mathis Young; two brothers; and three sisters.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Eastside Holiness Baptist Church, c/o Steve Tomberlin, 231 Reid Road, Abbeville, GA 31001.