Oliver Earle Young Jr.

Family-Placed Obituary

OLIVER EARLE YOUNG, Jr. Oliver Earle Young, Jr. died in peace on October 25, 2011 in Highlands, NC, in the company of family members. The son of Oliver Earle Young of Cuba, AL, and Margaret Southard Young of Erie, PA, he was born in Asheville, NC on September 2, 1927. He grew up in West Palm Beach, FL and Highlands, NC, graduated from Riverside Military Academy, served in the Army of Occupation in Italy following World War II, and attended the University of Florida and Emory University. In 1951, he met Mary Luther Lissenden in West Palm Beach when she returned home for spring break during her senior year at Smith College. They married in 1952 and settled in Highlands, NC, where he took over the ownership of Wits End Shop, established by his mother in 1940, and began developing Whiteside Estates subdivision between Highlands and Cashiers. In 1960, he opened Wits End on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, which was a vibrant presence on the Avenue for over 20 years. Wits End of Highlands continues to be owned and operated by his family today. Earle was active as an usher at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, and served as President of the Worth Avenue Merchants Association. An avid reader, he had broad interests ranging from the history of Western North Carolina and American history to building, architecture and horticulture. One of his proudest accomplishments was constructing with his four sons an authentic log house, reassembled from two historic cabins, which is situated on the lake that he also built. Full of vitality, he was a vigorous presence, an enterprising and engaging man who was devoted to his family, lived by his principles, and took great interest in others. He delighted in extending kindnesses to friends and strangers alike, quietly making a difference to many he met in life. He was predeceased by his wife in 2006, and by his sister, Mary Elizabeth, in 1984. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Young Devlin (Thomas) of Old Greenwich, CT; his sons, Carlton Earle (Christine) of Monteagle, TN, John David (Susan) of Highlands, NC, Oliver Earle (Lynn) of Pass Christian, MS, Daniel Dana (Suzanne) of Rock Hill, SC; and nine grandchildren, Rebecca, Tyler, Kevin and Caroline Young; Anna Gray, Elisa and Mary Young; and Elizabeth and Katherine Devlin. A service in his memory will take place at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Cashiers, NC on Sunday, November 27 at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception in Hines Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice that will benefit the education or well being of those in need. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries