Sanford Eugene Younts

Sanford Eugene “Gene” Younts, Presbyterian Village, Austell, GA, died on August 21, 2018. Born August 29, 1930, in Lexington, North Carolina, he was the son of Robert Sanford Younts and Hattie Lohr Younts. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth, his children, Greg Younts and Leslie Curl (Jerry); his granddaughter, Shannon Curl, and brothers, Richard Younts (Gail) and Joel Younts (MaryAnn). Preceding him in death were brothers, Wayne Younts, Homer Younts, Bryce Younts; and sister, Martha Swing.

Gene graduated from Davis Townsend High School, completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees from North Carolina State University. While completing his master’s degree, he married Ruth Wilson of Raleigh, N.C. From there, they moved to Ithaca, N.Y. for Gene to complete his PhD at Cornell University. His professional career of 44 years began as a faculty member at the University of Maryland. Later, he served as an agronomist at the Potash and Phosphate Institute in Washington, D.C., faculty member at North Carolina State University, vice president of the Potash and Phosphate Institute in Atlanta, GA, director of the Rural Development Center and associate dean of The University of Georgia College of Agriculture in Tifton, GA and vice president for Public Service and Outreach at The University of Georgia. During his tenure as vice president, UGA’s public services grew into the largest campus-based outreach program in the nation. At the time of his passing, he held the title of vice president emeritus and distinguished public service scholar at The University of Georgia. Gene’s strong commitment to service was evident in his leadership roles in community, state and national affairs: national president of FarmHouse Fraternity, state chairman of the Georgia Heart Fund Campaign, and president of the Athens Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Red Cross Board, Salvation Army Board, Rotary Club and Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Gene was always active in his church, serving last as elder at Central Presbyterian Church in Athens. He was deeply committed to supporting the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. Following his retirement in 2001, Gene furthered his hobbies of golf, photography, gardening, foreign languages, travel and writing, publishing four books.

A memorial service will be held at Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, GA on Friday, August 24 at 11 a.m. The Reverend Dr. Rindy Trouteaud, Pastor, Central Presbyterian Church PC(USA) and The Reverend Chris Moore-Keish, Chaplain, Presbyterian Village, Austell, GA will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, Central Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 48224, Athens, GA, 30604 or charity of your choice.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.