Larry Van Young

Larry Van Young Larry Van Young, 81, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by family on August 3, 2025, due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Grassy Creek, North Carolina, on September 11, 1943.
He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1961 and spent his entire professional life in the furniture industry. From 1994 until his retirement in 2012, Larry owned and operated Thomasville Home Furnishings in Knoxville, TN.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Barbara Kendig Young of Oak Ridge, TN; daughter Leigh Young Monger and son-in-law Scott Monger of Oak Ridge, TN; and son Larry Keith Young, also of Oak Ridge, TN-lovingly known as "Poppy" to his grandchildren. He is also survived by his grandchildren: - Steven Avery Monger and his wife Kelsey Hamby Monger of Chattanooga, TN - Merritt Leigh-Aynn Monger and her fiancé Roo Standeford of Greenfield, IN - Avery Claire Young and Austin Bennett Young of Knoxville, TN. Larry was blessed with two great-grandchildren: Sutton Ridge Monger and Maddie Sue Monger.
He is mourned by his only surviving sister, Una Mae Allen of Burnsville, NC, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews-including Kay Hall Underwood and her husband Scott Underwood of Oak Ridge, TN.Also surviving are his sister-in-law Brenda Pickens and her husband Earle Pickens of Gainesville, FL, and brother-in-law Franklin Kendig and his wife Judy Kendig of Knoxville,
TN.
Larry was a long-time member of Central Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, now known as Grace Baptist Church. His faith was important to him, and his church community held a special place in his life. He was also an avid golfer. He was a proud member of The Dewsweepers at Oak Ridge Country Club and served on the Board of Directors for the KFI Golf Tournament.
He was a proud and devoted fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, rarely missing a game and always cheering on the Big Orange. He was equally devoted to the Atlanta Braves and rarely missed watching a game during baseball season.
Larry was a long-time Oak Ridge High School Wildcat football season ticket holder and could always be found in the stands cheering them on. He especially loved watching his grandson Steven play baseball and his granddaughter Merritt play soccer for Oak Ridge High School - never missing a game. He never missed a concert, play, or sporting event when any
of his grandchildren were involved, always showing up with pride and support. He showed up in every way. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking great pride and joy in event moment spent with them.
He was deeply loved by many family members and friends and will be remembered for his warmth, dedication to his family, and witty sense of humor, always ready with a classic one-liner.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grace Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, located at 130 Providence Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.