Abner Clay Young

Abner Clay Young died July 2, 2025 in La Jolla, California with family by his side from post open heart surgery complications. He was born December 12, 1938 in Marvell, Arkansas to Ira Young and Annie Hill Young. He was raised in Marvell and Jacksonville, Arkansas. He attended Jacksonville High School (1956). He then attended Arkansas State Teacher’s College (1960) BS and then Western New England College (1978) MPA. Abner served in the Arkansas Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. He entered the United States Civil Service in 1961with the Department of Air Force serving in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and Washington DC retiring in 1996 from the Pentagon.

He married Virginia Lynn Scarlett Young in 1963 in Dallas, TX and raised Debra Lynn Young and Brian Clay Young. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Virginia, brother Ira Joe Young and Joe’s wife, Mary, sister Iris Ann Brockinton, her son Darrell, brother-in-law James Scarlett.

He is survived by his daughter Debra Young (Bob Cutler) of Boise, ID, son Brian Young (Lory) of Oceanside, CA, brother-in-law Donnie Brockinton, Jacksonville, Arkansas, sister-in-law Juanita Tutor (Jimmy) of Pontotoc,Mississippi, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved staying in touch with, as well as many friends with whom he so enjoyed spending time visiting or debating current events.

Abner was a man devoted to his family. Always there, steady to lean on, to care. He worked tirelessly over the years across the country on his annual vegetable gardens and fruit trees, reaping and sowing. He was an avid fisherman in lakes and streams and was a wonderful cook. He crafted a hard to beat fruitcake, loved a crisp filet of fried catfish,creamy tart lime pie, and most recently fish tacos!

He had a generous heart, guiding and supporting people young and elder who might need assistance. He was incurably curious, an avid reader, an advocate for creating a greater equality for all people regardless of sex, race, income or age. His intelligence was keen and his wit dry. He was a sharp bridge, cribbage and canasta player, relishing his times playing a game with friends and family…invariably with his bottomless cup of coffee!

He lived with honor and integrity and unceasing courage.

In the last few months of his life he ventured West from Mississippi to Oceanside, CA to live near family. Here he gladly explored a fresh climate and new terrain next to the glorious sea, tasting marvelous new foods and finding treasured friends.

Abner was a good man. One who stood tall, quiet, kind and fair in every facet of life. His family and friends will miss him deeply for he was deeply loved and respected. Farewell dear friend and thank you. There will never be another like you. Loving you always.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. (stjude.org)