Jerry W. Young

Jerry W. Young, 86, died Saturday, October 26, at his home in Ashwood Square in Chattanooga, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born in Francisco, Indiana, in 1933. He lost his father to a coalmine accident before he had reached the age of one. He was brought up by his mother, Emma and his step-father, Pewee Herrin, along with two sisters, Sandra and Bonnie, as well as a brother, Will, Junior. Jerry enlisted into the U.S. Navy during the Korean War era, serving, with his brother, aboard the USS Fletcher, DDE 445, in the western Pacific until his release from service in 1957. He married the love of his life, Peggy Thompson, in 1959 and, together, they had four children.

Jerry’s career as a Quality Control Inspector brought him to the Chattanooga area in 1976, where he worked for TVA. After a transfer to Birmingham, Alabama in 1979, the family resided in the nearby town of Pelham, before he and Peggy returned to the Chattanooga area in 1990. Jerry retired from TVA in 1993, but continued to work in that field until the age of 82.

Before his death, Jerry had been an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Soddy Daisy, where, as a member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as that church’s first Grand Knight.

Jerry was a very kind, loving and patient husband and father and a devoted friend to many. Additionally, he was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, which was evident in his poetry. He was an avid sports fan, especially of college football, supporting Notre Dame, Clemson and Alabama.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Willard “Ab” Young and Emma (Pavey) (Young) Herrin, his step-father, William “Pewee” Herrin, his brother, Willard Young, Jr., and his sister, Sandra Silkey. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Potts, his wife, Peggy, of 60 years, his four children: Kent (Siobhan) Young, Kelly (Matt) Hall, Kevin (Mary) Young and Keith (Connie) Young, eight grandchildren, Brad (Kim) Franks, Corey Franks, Zach (Chaelee) Franks, Devin Young, Danner (Savannah) Young, Kylend Young, Noeble (Brendin) Rogers and Wren Young, and four great grandchildren: Kayla Franks, Haley Franks, Penelope Franks and Savannah Franks.

A viewing will occur at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson on Wednesday October 30th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with a rosary at 5:30 pm. The funeral mass will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, October 31st at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A private family ceremony will precede burial within the Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com