Cecil Young
Cecil Bailey Young, 92, of Dalton, passed away on July 16, 2017.
He was born in Bryant, Mississippi in 1924. At the age of 17, three weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he lied about his age in order to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served as a signalman in both the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign and the Asiatic Pacific Campaigns during World War II. He was part of the Japan occupation force and arrived in Nagasaki two weeks after the dropping of the atomic bomb.
He retired from Memphis Light, Gas, & Water after 35 years of service and subsequently moved to Dalton to be with family. He spent his retirement enjoying his family, traveling, photography, and creative writing. Additionally, he enjoyed walking and was lovingly referred to by his neighbors as the “walking man.”
He found his greatest joy in serving his country and devoting his life to his children and grandchildren. Cecil was a man of great character and brought joy to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton C. Young and Cazzie Howell Young; sister, Ethelyn Young Meeks.
He is survived by a son, Roger (Leslie) Young and daughter, Lisa Herald; four grandchildren, Kacy Herald, Ethan Young, Cole Young, and Mimi Grace Young; nephews, Gary Meeks and Butch Meeks.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Johnny Taylor officiating. Interment with military funeral honors will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept.142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.–12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, at Heritage Funeral Home on East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.