John William Youngblood

John William Youngblood passed away on August 13, 2026, at the age of 72. He was born on May 18, 1954, to Earl Franklin Youngblood and Helen Ratchford Youngblood, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his sister, Mary Youngblood Ludlow.

John graduated from Independence High School in 1972 and went on to earn a BS in Business Administration and Finance from Western Carolina University in 1976, where he was a member of Theta Xi. His first car after college was a Firebird, and, well, it was the '70s — he had a brief disco phase, like everyone else.

He built his career as a credit manager, a path that took him to Illinois, Florida, and Texas before he ultimately settled in the Los Angeles area, where he spent approximately 15 years, mainly with 3M. He later returned to Charlotte, where he worked for a couple of years at the Charlotte Observer prior to retiring.

As a child, John spent much of his time with his grandparents, Reverend William David Ratchford and Mary Miller Ratchford, who lived next door, and he carried those close family bonds throughout his life. The Finchers, the Morgans, and the Phillips were family friends from the neighborhood. He went on to make many lifelong friends during his years in California, including Nancy and Frank, among others. He loved to travel, and he had a particular fondness for Corgis, succulents, and classic Hollywood movies — along with a lifelong soft spot for potato chips dipped in ketchup, an enthusiasm for Cajun and Creole cooking, and a standing devotion to In-N-Out Burger.

John was known for his great sense of humor and love of fun, and for being patient and kind — he was every cousin's favorite cousin. He is remembered as a beloved uncle and great-uncle by his nephew, James Minor Ludlow, III (Ety); his niece, Jennifer Helen Ludlow (Jamie); and his grandnephew, Preston James Ludlow, who hold many fond memories of the joyful laughter they shared with him, and who thank him for his love and support growing up, in college, and throughout their lives.

The family extends special thanks to Amy Phillips Domingue, John's dear friend since the third grade, his dance partner and partner in crime, and to Celeste Featherstone of Brookdale Charlotte-East, his caregiver and champion.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home in Charlotte, NC. A memorial service for John will be held at Amity Presbyterian Church. The date and time are still in process. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope For Depression Research Foundation (HDRF).