John Robert "Bob" Young

John Robert "Bob" Young, 97, of West Memphis died Thursday, Dec. 17 in West Memphis.

A beloved and cherished father and grandfather, Young was born Aug. 17, 1912. He made his home in West Memphis since his retirement. Bob spent much of his later years working in his large garden and drinking coffee with his many friends.

A dashing, handsome young man, Bob won the heart of Chris Tina White Young in 1934. They were married 62 years before her death in 1997.

Young was the oldest son of John Calvin and Forest Dean Young. He spent most of his younger years in Waterloo, Ala. Before he moved to Arkansas. He was a craftsman who could build anything. He built many homes in Tyronza before he became a farmer.

Young was a master farmer who could grow anything. He knew exactly how to sow the seeds and to reap the harvest. He shared his love of farming with many of his children and grandchildren.

Young was a wise, living man who new there was "a season" for everything.

Next to farming, Young's greatest love was watching his children and grandchildren play ball. He was the father of Bobby Jack Young (Dottie) of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Joyce Williams Davidson (Roger) of West Memphis, Larry Joe Young (Kathy) of Olive Branch, Miss., Pat Young Utley of West Memphis and Judy Morrisett Hopkins (Robbie) of Hernando, Miss. He had 13 grandchildren: Cindy Gordon of Hernando, Miss., Ralphn Bradley Williams of West Memphis, Ketih Dial of Olive Branch, Miss., Bobby Williams of Estonia, Bob Young of Berlin, Germany, Jack Young of Baltimore, M.D., Bruce Williams of West Memphis, Kris Cecil of Olive Branch, Miss., Kurt Dial of Collierville, Tenn., Chet Morrisett of Lebanon, Tenn., Scott Young of Hernando, Miss., Heather Young Hale of West Memphis and Lori Beth Young, who preceded him in death. He also leaves behind 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 19 at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis.