Donnie Ralph Young

Donnie Ralph Young, 76 years old, of Old Fort, TN went home to be with the Lord on February 4, 2017, at his residence with his family by his side.

Donnie was born in Bradley County, TN to Sam and Della (Beard) Young on Saturday, April 20, 1940. He married his childhood sweetheart Carolyne (Crook) Young of Old Fort, TN on January 8, 1960 in Cleveland, TN. He worked for McKenzie Fencing for 26 years before retiring in 2014, where he was lovingly nicknamed by the younger employees coming into the construction trade, whom he mentored over the years as “Old-Timer”. He enjoyed farming and hunting but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Della Young of Old Fort, sister and brother in law, Edna and Fred Crittenden, sister, Mildred Ballew, sister, Paulette Bolen, brother in law, Kenneth Adams.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyne (Crook) Young, son, Mark Young of Old Fort, TN, two daughters and son in laws, Penny and Kevin Gill of Ooltewah, TN and Robin and Tim McKenzie of Cleveland, TN. Six grandchildren, Samuel and Kalia McKenzie of Cleveland, Carolanne and Matt Crisp of Riceville, TN, Catherine Frazier of Chattanooga, TN and John Thomas McKenzie of Cleveland, TN. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Rosemary McKenzie and Braxton Brooks. Donnie is also survived by his sister, Billie Jean (Young) Adams, and brother in law, Larry “Fat Cat” Bolen.

A celebration of his life is planned for Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 at 8:00 PM in the chapel of Companion Funeral Home located at 2419 Georgetown Road NW in Cleveland, TN with the Reverend David Evans officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home parlor on Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM until the 8:00 PM service time.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has prayed for Donnie and our family. We truly appreciate and love each one of you who were willing to walk along side of the family offering support during this time that we were so graciously allowed the privilege of being able to say our goodbyes until we meet Donnie again in heaven.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in honor of Donnie’s life to “Giving to Emory Brain Health Center”. More details available in Monday’s edition.

Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Young family with his arrangements.