Thomas E. Young Jr., Natchez

1924 - 2007

NATCHEZ — Services for Thomas E. Young Jr., 83, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, at the family home, will be at 11 a.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with the Revs. Julius Roberts, Paul Hayes and Steve Bullion officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. today, followed by the memorial services at the funeral home.

Mr. Young was born June 28, 1924, in Natchez, the son of Thomas Edgar Young Sr., who came from London, England to Natchez and married Hilda Culipher Register. His grandparents were Aaron Culipher Register and Mary Ann Gustine McDonald Register. In his early years he attended Trinity Episcopal Church with his grandmother, aunt and sister and was also a longtime member of McNeely Road Church of God. Mr. Young’s love for God and the church was obvious in his strong witness for Jesus Christ and his boldness in spreading the gospel. He worked at Armstrong Rubber Company where he retired after 35 years of service. Mr. Young did maintenance work for many fast food restaurants in Natchez and the surrounding area.

He graduated from Natchez High School and then entered military service. He went to Fort McClellan, Ala. for infantry basic training, then served in the European Theater during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. After his tour of duty he returned and graduated infantry school at Fort Benning, Ga. as a master sergeant. After the military he joined the Mississippi National Guard. In his travels he went to many foreign countries of which Israel was his favorite.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Anabel Register Young Maxie and a son, Michael Stephen Young.

Survivors include his former wife, Dorothy D. Young of Natchez; daughter, Kathleen Harrison and husband, Kenneth, of Austin, Texas; sons, Thomas E. Young III and wife, Kathy, of Natchez and Robert P. Young and wife, Jerilyn, of Pangburn, Ark.; granddaughter, Kris Harrison of Simpson, Pa. and grandson, Dean Harrison of Denton, Texas; half-sisters, Patsy Loggins of Shreveport, Tomasene McIntyre of Phoenix and Glenda Bourguignon of Albuquerque, N.M.; half-brother, Charles Young of Albuquerque; nieces, Cindy Dillon of Natchez and Gail Cowan of Ferriday; and a number of other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Thomas E. Young III, Robert P. Young, Kenneth Harrison, Dale Thomas, Fred Morris and Del Loy.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dean Harrison and Glen Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.