Obituary for Joseph Ralph Young
Joseph “Ralph” Young of Pendleton, Kentucky, passed away at his home on December 10, 2020. He was 82 years old. Known as Joe to many friends and co-workers, he was “Ralph” to his family. He was born on July 11, 1938, to Freeman and Bertha Young in Cookeville, TN.
Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and proudly served our country until 1965. The majority of his service was on the USS Sperry and the USS Forrestal during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving the Navy, he started his career in 1967 at Ford Motor Co. in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where he practiced his trade as an electrician and later followed into supervision. He retired in 1998 after 31 years of dedication.
Ralph was a man of humor and he handled diversity with laughter. He was known by those who knew him as “quite the character” and a prankster. He was a man who made his own path and lived his life on his terms with no apologies. He loved his family, his friends, his country, his garden and his much beloved dog Kelly who was by his side until the very end.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis Carol (Benjey); his son, James Koby Young; son-in-law Doug Helton; his parents, Freeman and Bertha Young; a brother, Robert Young; sisters, Dorothy Petty, and Lucille Smith.
Left to honor his memory are his sons Randy Young, (Brianna), and Michael Young (Irene); daughters, Marie Helton, and Marti Bischoff (Justin); brothers, Chuck, David, and Glenn Young; seven grandchildren who loved him dearly; six great-grandchildren, and scores of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., with the service at 12:00 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. Burial will follow at Smithville Cemetery.
Kentucky Covid-19 regulations will be followed and face coverings are required by everyone.
Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and proudly served our country until 1965. The majority of his service was on the USS Sperry and the USS Forrestal during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving the Navy, he started his career in 1967 at Ford Motor Co. in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where he practiced his trade as an electrician and later followed into supervision. He retired in 1998 after 31 years of dedication.
Ralph was a man of humor and he handled diversity with laughter. He was known by those who knew him as “quite the character” and a prankster. He was a man who made his own path and lived his life on his terms with no apologies. He loved his family, his friends, his country, his garden and his much beloved dog Kelly who was by his side until the very end.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis Carol (Benjey); his son, James Koby Young; son-in-law Doug Helton; his parents, Freeman and Bertha Young; a brother, Robert Young; sisters, Dorothy Petty, and Lucille Smith.
Left to honor his memory are his sons Randy Young, (Brianna), and Michael Young (Irene); daughters, Marie Helton, and Marti Bischoff (Justin); brothers, Chuck, David, and Glenn Young; seven grandchildren who loved him dearly; six great-grandchildren, and scores of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., with the service at 12:00 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. Burial will follow at Smithville Cemetery.
Kentucky Covid-19 regulations will be followed and face coverings are required by everyone.