Stephen Ronald Young, age 69, of Asheville, went Home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 17th, 2025. A native of Jackson County, he was a son of the late Lex and Annie Bryson Young. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Young; grandson, Harley Barrett; four brothers: Thomas, Leonard, Paul and Danny Young; and his brother-in-law, Raymond Crook.
Stephen proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Later in life, he reconnected with his former pen pal and now fiancée Emily. Stephen and Emily built a life in Cocoa, Florida before returning to the mountains to enjoy a simpler life and help take care of Emily’s parents. He worked for High Country Furniture as a truck driver, delivering furniture throughout Western North Carolina.
He enjoyed restoring and painting vintage cars. One of his favorite projects was restoring an older model Mustang to a beautiful candy apple red color. When he wasn’t strolling through car shows with Emily, Stephen could be found taking in the serene views of the area on his motorcycle or wetting a line at his favorite fishing spot. His adoration for adventure and his warm smile will be missed by his close friends and family.
Left to cherish Stephen’s memory is his loving partner of 7 years, Emily Williamson; his sons: David Marshall Young and Stephen Young (Spring); daughters: Stephanie Mills (Chris) and Tammy Young; 16 grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren; his “bonus” family: William Poore whom he called “Dad”, Debra Hyatt (Ralph), Daniel Crook (Rebecca), Julia Crook, and Jeffery Poore (Cathy). Several other extended family members also survive.
Per Stephen’s wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Emily would like to extend a special thanks to Foothills of the Carolinas Hospice and staff for their loving care of Stephen and the emotional support shown to them both during his palliative and hospice needs.
Memorial donations may be made to one of the following: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; Yancey County Animal Shelter, 211 Kind Hearts Way, Burnsville, NC 28714; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
