John Franklin Young, 89, of Valdosta, passed away on November 5, 2016, after a short illness. John was born in Portland, OR on July 3, 1927 to Maude and Charles Young. As a teenager, he assisted in the war effort by working in the Portland shipyards as a journeyman welder. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1945. In 1947, while stationed in Stephenville, Newfoundland, John met Barbara White. They were married 18 months later, the beginning of 65 years of marriage. John was a 26-year veteran of the United State Air Force, having served tours of duty through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Greenland. After leaving the military, he worked a variety of military contract jobs, including the DEW Line in Greenland and AUTEC in Andros Island, Bahamas. John was an avid scuba diver, hunter, and fisherman, as well as an accomplished wood sculptor. He was a lifelong HAM radio operator and a member of the Valdosta HAM radio club. John is survived by his children, sons Charles P. (Kathy) Young of Orange Park, FL, and John K. Young of Jacksonville, FL, and daughter Teresa A. "Tracy" Young of Valdosta, granddaughters Keri, Ashley, Jessica, and Kimberly, and eight grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Charles Young, sisters Marge Shade and Charlene Jensen, granddaughter Amber Young and his beloved wife, Barbara. A memorial and Military Honors ceremony to be held on December 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Carson McLane Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Audubon Society (Audubon.org), the Center for Biological Diversity, P.O. Box 710, Tucson, AZ 85702-0710, or the Disabled American Veterans Association (DAV). Funeral Home: Carson McLane Funeral Home 2215 North Patterson Street Valdosta, GA US 31602