Robert Thomas Young

Sunrise: June 8, 1924 Sunset: April 25, 2010 "We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."
(Corinthians II 5:8)
Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Robert Thomas Young, of Rocky Mount, Va., entered eternal life peacefully, surrounded by his family, at God's appointed time on Sunday, April 25, 2010, at Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was the second eldest of 13 children born on June 8, 1924, in Franklin County, Va., to the late Dora (Gilbert) and Samuel Davy Young Sr. Robert was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael Morgan; three sisters, Nadine, Alice, and Mary Nelson; and four brothers, Samuel Davy, Herman, Hobert and Lincoln.
Robert attended Brown Elementary and Franklin County Training Schools and spent his childhood on the family farm learning the trade. He was drafted in 1943 to the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge in 1946, proudly serving his country for three years.

Shortly afterwards, Robert returned to his family's home place to master the family business of farming (tobacco, cattle, and lumber). In 1948, he married Susie Jane McEnheimer and was blessed with 61 years of marriage and five children and retired as a successful farmer.
His longest devotion has been to his faith, accepting Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior at a very early age. He was baptized at Holy Trinity Baptist Church, ordained a deacon and elected to the Trustee Board in 1961. He served as a treasurer of the Sunday school and chairman of the deacon board for many years.
Robert served six years on the Parks and Recreation Commission. In 1984, he was appointed advisor to the Franklin County Farm Service Agency for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was elected to the Farmer's Home Administration Board in 1986. He was honored for participating in the Virginia Farm Management Tour.

After attending the Regional Conference on Title VI for the Civil Rights Act, Robert was inspired to become a community activist for outlawing segregation and advocating equal opportunity for all. He was an avid supporter of the Democratic Party, Pigg River Association, YMCA, United Way, Salvation Army, and American Legion Post #111.
Robert is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Susie Jane McEnheimer; five children, Wayne Thomas, Cecil Blake, Susan Jan, Olinda Fay and Bernard Boyd; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Lillie (A.J.) Reeves, Ruth Young, Fred (Dorreth) Young, Perry Young, and Gilbert (Arlene) Young.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude for all expressions of love and sympathy during our bereavement. Our sincere appreciation continues to go out to all special angels that helped us get through the past year with many acts of kindness.
The funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Pigg River Community Center, Rocky Mount, Va. Arrangements by Stanfield Mortuary Service, 540-483-2902.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Carilion Clinic Hospice Services, 180 Floyd Ave., Rocky Mount, Va. 24151, 540-483-7024; Franklin County Rescue Squads, 1255 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, Va. 24151, 540-483-3030; or to Blue Ridge Cancer Care, 2013 South Jefferson St., Roanoke, Va. 24014, 540-982-0237.