Larry Dean Young

Larry was born Dec. 20, 1938, in San Angelo, TX, the only child of Clara and Dean Young. From an early age he was taught the scriptures by his mother, becoming a Christian at the early age of eight where he grew up in Dallas' Hillcrest Baptist Church of Oak Cliff.

After graduating from high school in Dallas, Larry attended East Texas State in Commerce for two years. After a four-year stint in the U. S. Air Force, on June 3, 1967, he married Linda Northum, the love of his life. They were married for more than 51 years, living most of that time in Longview.

Their only child, Timothy D. Young, an instructor at the Kilgore Law Enforcement Academy, predeceased his father on Feb. 16, 2015. Timothy's only child, his beloved daughter, Kaela Dean Young, a student at T. K. Gorman in Tyler, brought much beauty, joy and comfort to her grandfather Larry who passed into the arms of his loving Lord on March 7, 2019, after a lengthy illness.

Larry worked for Dixie Paper Company for more than forty years, receiving recognition as always being a top salesman, including once winning an award for being Longview's Best Salesman of the Year. Larry retired only a few months ago at age 80, always the consummate salesman. His customers called him, "the Whistler," always happily whistling as he worked. He told his family that had never worked a day in his life. Because he was blessed with gift of gab and loved to meet and talk with people, his work was a real pleasure.

Larry's other gift was his ability to work with young, aspiring golfers, both male and female. Although Larry loved to play the game, he loved to mentor the youth of the city even more. He spent much time and resources instructing them, promoting their golfing programs, and transporting them to their meets. There were many weekend trips to the Metroplex which generally ended with a trip to Furr's Cafeteria and a little bit of go-cart racing.

One highlight of his life was his own son Timothy's winning the Golf District Medalist at Pine Tree High School and a scholarship to Navarro College. Larry and his "kids" kept up their friendships and relationships, and he followed their careers throughout life. He felt passionately that this was his way to make a difference in the world.

The family thanks Trinity Timbers Assisted Living and Traditions Hospice for their loving and meticulous care during Larry's stay there. They would also ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Nashville, TN, or to the Children's Ministries of Greggton First Baptist Church in Longview.