Kenneth J. Younginer

Kenneth Younginer of Summerville, SC was born on June 7th, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 4th, 2025 @ 6:07 pm, at the age of 80 years old, just a few days shy of his 81st birthday. Ken graduated from Macedonia High School where he was a bus driver while his Father, James Wilson Younginer was the principal as well as pastor of Hoods Chapel Methodist Church in Macedonia.

He loved and served his country proudly for 28 years before retiring as a Senior Chief Radioman in the US Navy. While in the Navy he received multiple awards and certificates for his outstanding leadership. He served as a Drug Enforcement Agent while aboard the USS Vulcan, with his trusty drug dog "Joe Boy." While serving aboard the USS Canopus, Ken was Chief Master at Arms, entrusted with the first 5 women to ever board ship in the US Navy.

After retirement, Ken went on to complete training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to become solely a volunteer Reserve Police Officer for Holly Hill and St. Stephens Police Departments for 16 years where he was affectionately known as “Taz”. He was a member of the Omar Temple motorcycle group called the "Honda Patrol," where he rode to raise money and awareness for the burned and crippled children of the Shriners Hospital.

Ken is survived by his beloved sweetheart of 59 years, Joan Younginer; two daughters, Tonja (Sean) Tabor, of Summerville and Sonja (Bryan) Perkins, of Eutawville; one son, Kenny (Shannon) Younginer of Harleyville; 9 grandchildren, Tarrin (Rodney) Buck, of Moncks Corner, Clayton (Michayla) Evans, of Summerville, Samantha & Charlie Perkins of Eutawville, Chandler Younginer of Harleyville, Britney (Keith) Powell of Moncks Corner, Sean Tabor Jr. of Summerville, Ashleigh Peters & Brenton Tabor both of Moncks Corner; 9 Great Grandchildren, Brantley, Judah & Lorelai Buck, Porter & Pierce Evans, Mia & Jessie Powell, Sage & Graham Peters. Ken is also survived by 3 siblings, Kay Younginer, Betty (Mark) Nelms & William "Bill" (Darlene) Younginer as well as many nieces and nephews.

He had a quiet strength, a warm heart, and a deep love for gardening, flea marketing, tinkering, the outdoors and his precious dogs Callie & Cooper. Nothing made him happier than a day spent hunting, fishing or spending time with his family. In the final months he enjoyed sitting peacefully in his recliner with his pups and having his family around him.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion and service, and he will be missed more than words can say. We are heartbroken but so grateful for the time we had him. In his life and death, Dad taught us more about love & grace than we could have ever imagined.

He is predeceased by his father, James Wilson Younginer; mother, Berniece Elaine Younginer (Bown) and 2 Grandchildren, Krysten Perkins of Hartsville & Ian Tabor of Summerville.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC. Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests plantable plants or potted greenery to honor Ken's love for living things and sustainability.