John Franklin Young, affectionately known as Big John, 73, who was a lifetime fixture of the Gum Springs Mountain community, passed away Nov. 19, 2022, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
Big John was born May 11, 1949, in Sparta, to Charlie Paul Young and Mammie Pauline Barnes Young.
He was a log truck driver and a member of Hensley Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 30 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Lee Young and Paul Jr. Young.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years, Reba Joyce Cunningham Young, of Sparta; three sons, Chris Allen Young, Johnny Darryl Young, John Franklin “Pee Wee” Young Jr. and Michalia, all of Sparta; seven grandchildren, Alicia Jarrett, Heather (Shawn) Dillon, Jessica Marcum, Cole Young, Sarah Young, Clayton Young, Victoria Young; five great-grandchildren, Danny, Noah, Arabella, Brandon, Ava; four brothers, Kerry (Ivie) Young, Ray “Buster” (Patty) Young, Roger (Fran) Young, Timmy (Gail) Young, all of Sparta; two sisters, Paula Bethene Cunningham, Peggy Robbins; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral service was 3 p.m., Nov. 22, 2022, at Hensley Chapel Baptist Church, with burial in Young Cemetery. Dewey Young, Ricky Dickson, and Mike Kirby officiated.
Jeremy Youngblood, Shawn Dillon, Matthew Cunningham, Carlos Young, Joey Young, Clayton Young, Timmy “Bubba” Young, and Don Youngblood served as pallbearers
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
