Bobby Lee Young, 81, of Cottage Grove, Ore., passed away Feb. 3, 2022.
Bobby (Bob) was a longtime resident of Cottage Grove, a friend to many, a devoted father, grandfather and loving husband. He had a long and full life.
Born on Sept. 15, 1940 in Melissa, Texas, to parents John and Dollie (Murley) Young, Bob, his parents, brother and two sisters moved to central California in 1950. Bob was active in FFA and was a star athlete in track and field, graduating early from Wasco High School in order to join the Army. Enlisting in January of 1959 and serving as a Military policeman, both stateside and overseas and leaving active service as a Corporal in 1962. Bob was very honored and proud to have served his country.
After leaving the Army, Bob and his wife, RuthAnn, raised their daughter Kelli in Southern California, where Bob would have a career in automobile parts and service until 1987.
After the death of his first wife, Bob would be blessed to meet and marry his beloved Heather Day, and they would go on to raise their family, Brad and Alexa, here in Cottage Grove. Bob worked as the Parts and Service Manager at Brad’s Chevrolet until retiring in 2008. Unable to sit still, Bob would continue a career with Napa for 13 more years, working until the week of his passing at 81 years of age.
Bob was quite a guy, simple, tough, honorable, kind. A sportsman and avid hunter for many years, trading in his gun for the camera more often as the years went on, always looking for that perfect shot in his beloved Oregon hills.
The hills and the backroads were his happy place as well as working on his ‘68 Chevy truck, watching sports, and always with a good book on his bedside table. Most importantly he loved and cared for his wife and family. Politically and civically minded, he loved being an active part of his neighborhood and community, serving them in ways both big and small.
He was our wonderful father, husband, son, brother, uncle, neighbor, friend and most loving grandfather. The world was a better and more honorable place with him in it. He is dearly missed.
Bob is survived by his wife Heather of Cottage Grove; daughter Kelli Young of Cottage Grove (mother, RuthAnn); son Brad (Katie) Young of Corvallis, Ore.; daughter Alexa Young (Alex) Munsee of Philomath, Ore.; sister Martha Lay of St. Louis; grandsons Ian Monachelli, Calvin Munsee and granddaughter Blake Munsee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Loretta Ashworth, and brother Jerry Young.
To the community, our neighbors, and friends, thank you for your love and support as we mourn the loss of our beloved father and husband. We are so grateful.
Please come join the family, share a meal, a memory, and lift a glass at Bob’s favorite restaurant, Jack Sprats, on Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 3-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you spend time with your loved ones and make memories.
Bob would like that.
Arrangements are by Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
