Gillie Eugene Young

Eugene Young was born on December 05, 1950, in Trenton, Kentucky to George Walter Young and Mattie Lou Young (Quarles). He was the third born son following his oldest brother George Walter Young Jr. “Pee Wee”, his older sister Sally Diane Robertson, and his younger brother Daniel Young, each of whom have preceded him in death. How do you sum up a life so well lived in a few paragraphs. Eugene lived life big and knew no strangers. Although those that knew him later in life likely couldn’t tell, Eugene’s life was not always easy. He grew up with humble beginnings on a farm in rural Kentucky in a house overflowing with love. He and his sister were among the first students to integrate their high school. Following graduation, he left home at the age of 17 and went to stay with his sister in Michigan. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and faithfully served his country as a Military Police officer and a parachute jumper in Vietnam. He told stories of transporting a service member back to the states for investigation. They had to have an overnight stop in Louisiana, and the hotel told him that the prisoner could stay the night, but he could not. After his military service he began working at Clark Equipment as a janitor while putting himself through school at Michigan State University eventually earning his master’s degree. When the Clark Equipment facility in Battle Creek, MI closed he was transferred to the facility in Georgetown, KY where Toyota Manufacturing of Kentucky now resides. Through multiple job promotions he worked his way up at Clark Equipment from janitor to Director of Sales before his first retirement. He went on to become an entrepreneur running several successful businesses in the Lexington area. Eugene faithfully served many years on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. Additionally, Eugene, along with Judge Jon Larson were the first two mentors for the Fayette County Veterans Treatment Court where they went once a week for several years to meet with veterans and help them turn their lives around. When he married Roslyn Young on June 30, 1979, she brought with her a little boy named Jamal Lamont Harper who was five years of age. Eugene embraced Jamal as his own son. A few years later Eugene and Roslyn gave birth to their daughter Shantel Jehan Young (Dever), who later gave them a son-in-law, Michael Lee Dever whom Eugene respected and loved like his own. Eugene adored each of his grandchildren, Alexus Stokley (30), Jalon Campbell (27), Khalifah Harper (26), Andre’s Dever (25), Josiah Garcia (25), Nasir Harper (25), Elijah “Malik” Harper (23), Micah Harper (21), Naomi Dever (15), Amya Dever (11) and finally Xavier Dever “big guy” (9). In addition to his immediate family, Eugene loved and often mentored a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Throughout his adult life, despite all of his business and community efforts, he always loved his family and was always present. Family was everything to Eugene. Eugene was a son, brother, father and friend to many. In addition to the accomplishments mentioned here, Eugene was involved in countless other organizations, board appointments, and pursuits, leaving a lasting mark on every community he touched. Even in death his love for others’ lives on through his donation to the 16 th largest organ procurement organization in the United States of America, Network for Hope. This obituary reflects only part of a remarkable life of service, leadership and love. Gene passed in a peaceful place under the trees in a familiar setting with peace in his heart and mind while doing an unexpected favor for a friend. That’s what always made Gene the happiest!

Gillie Eugene Young

December 5, 1950 - August 21, 2025

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Gillie Eugene Young

December 5, 1950 - August 21, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support