Un Young Rhee

Un Young Rhee, known affectionately as "Young," passed away peacefully this week at the age of 90, surrounded by family in Texas. After a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's and physical ailments, he is now free and at peace.

Born in South Korea, Young embarked on a transformative journey when he moved to the United States to pursue higher education. His academic path began at the University of Pennsylvania, where his daughter would ultimately attend, and culminated at the University of Texas, where he became the first of many proud Rhee Longhorns.

Young settled in North Texas, where he married Choung Ja Rhee and raised two children, Walter and Margaret. He built a successful career as a systems analyst at American Airlines, which enabled his family to create cherished memories through numerous family trips. Young had a special fondness for the beauty of oceans and beaches, where his joy was most evident.

Family was Young's greatest passion. His heart was beyond full to have his mother and three brothers, along with their families, join him from Korea in North Texas. His sister, who settled relatively close by in Tennessee, completed the family circle. Young also deeply valued the love and connection he shared with his in-laws, who became an integral part of the family. Together, they formed a large, close-knit community that celebrated countless milestones and gatherings over the years.

After his children were grown, Choung sadly passed away after a short battle with cancer. He found love and companionship again with In Soo Kim. They married and celebrated their children’s marriages, too. Together, they enjoyed becoming grandparents and embraced retirement, traveling and making cherished memories for 13 years before she, too, was taken by cancer.

Though life brought loss, it also brought new beginnings. Young was blessed to marry Songja MacDonald, with whom he shared his final years, enjoying travel, time with family, regular swims at the gym, and participation in his church community. As his memory faded due to Alzheimer’s, she remained by his side, caring for him with unwavering commitment and faith. Their time together was one of faith, service, and companionship, bringing him comfort and joy in his final years.

Young's hearty laugh, strong tickles, and eagerness to share wisdom left an indelible mark on those around him. His high expectations were always rooted in deep love and a desire for his family's success. Young's unwavering care for his family and the values he instilled will continue to be his enduring legacy.

Young is survived by his wife, Songja, and his five children and their families:

- Walter and Sylvia Rhee and their children, Tate and Reagan

- Margaret Rhee and Adrian Winoto and their children, Aubrey and Watson

- James (Jimmy) and Yeny Kim and their children, Jason and Abraham

- Bryan MacDonald and Je Yun Yu and their children, Eunjin and Hajin

- LeeAnn and Daniel Young and their children, Jillian, Jenavieve and Josiah

He is also survived by his sister and brother and their families

- Hyun Sook Lee and her husband, Deok Kyo Lee

- Young Nam Rhee and his wife, Kyung Ran Rhee

And he is preceded in death by:

- Jong Yuk Rhee (d. 1966), father, and Soon Deok Rha (d. 1988), mother

- Choung Ja Rhee (d. 1993), wife and mother to Walter and Margaret

- In Soo Kim (d. 2009), wife and mother to Jimmy

- Sang Young Rhee (d. 2018) and Sung Nam Rhee (d. 2019), brothers

In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind many extended family members.

While Young will be deeply missed, his family and friends find solace in knowing he is in God's loving arms and reunited with many loved ones who preceded him. A memorial service to honor Young's life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas.