Ralph Dale Young

Ralph Dale Young, age 99, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in his home on October 15, 2024. He was born November 16, 1924 in Lucien, Mississippi, was raised in Brookhaven, Mississippi and was a long time resident of Gulfport since 1962.

 Mr. Young is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. R. Benny and Vashti Young; and his brothers, Harold Young and W.C. Young. 

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Phyllis Burns Young; sons, David Young (Linda) and Ben Young (Debbie); brother, Norman “Bogey” Young (Sylvia); grandchildren, Amanda Young Savage, and Jeff Young (Dana); great-grandchildren Jack Savage, Will Savage and Avery Grace Young.

 Mr. Young attended Mississippi College, then joined the WWII war effort serving in the US Navy. Upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Young enrolled in the University of Mississippi and graduated with a law degree in 1950.

 His law career began in an upstairs corner office in Brookhaven where he hung out his shingle. In July 1952, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Burns. His legal career with Lion Oil Company and Atlantic Richfield Oil & Gas Company took them to Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana before he entered private practice, joining Tom Roberts in 1962. The firm, specializing in real estate, became Roberts, Young, Stelly and Rossetti. After many years he left this firm and went on to join John Rice starting Young & Rice. He loved the real estate business and began developing real estate in 1979 as a side business. Upon retirement from his law practice, he devoted all his time to real estate projects.

 He was a member of Gulfport Rotary and was a Paul Harris fellow.

 Mr. Young had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid golfer for many years playing The Broadwater Sea Course and Sunkist CC. He was a huge football fan, enjoying Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints games. After returning from a vacation in Europe in the early 1970’s with volumes of 35mm slides, he became a self taught painter, starting with the landscapes he photographed in Europe. He enjoyed traveling to the countryside of France every year with Phyllis by his side.

 He was an active member of Trinity Methodist Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and serving on numerous committees including Missions. With a heart for missions, he and Phyllis founded the Gulf Coast Chapter of Youth for Christ. He served on the board of directors for many years and was instrumental in its success. This organization was an achievement he was most proud of.

 His true love was his wife of 72 years. They have a special relationship that is founded on mutual respect and communication. There was never a problem they encountered they could not solve together.

 The family would like to thank Becky Biggs, Samantha Todd and Amber Biggs for their kindness and compassion caring for Ralph, and Alan Ashley for his friendship and driving Ralph wherever he needed go, and Dr. Rowe Crowder for 25 years of excellent medical care.

 The family requests memorial contributions to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth for Christ Donate | Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth for Christ (coastyfc.com)

 Visitation will be on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 12 - 1 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.