Ray Charles Young

Ray Charles Young, a cherished soul known for his kind, gentle, and loving nature, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, in his hometown of Plant City, FL, at the age of 65. Born on December 7, 1958, to the late Charles D. Young and Virginia Pope, Ray's life was a testament to the values of family, friendship, and faith.

Ray grew up in the warm embrace of Plant City, where he cultivated a life rich with simple pleasures and deep connections. His sister, Cindy Atkinson, and brother-in-law, Richard Atkinson, remember him as the beacon of joy and comfort in their lives. Ray's presence was a source of laughter and light, embodying the truth of the well-known quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a bit better... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

An avid fisherman, Ray found solace and excitement in the dance of the lure and the thrill of the catch. His love for fishing was only matched by his devotion to his church and the community it fostered. Ray's faith was the cornerstone of his existence, guiding him through life's ebbs and flows with unwavering grace.

Known to his friends as someone who was "sweet when he wanted to be and rotten when he could," Ray's playful spirit and heartfelt kindness left indelible marks on those he encountered. His ability to balance mirth with compassion made him a beloved figure in his circle, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Ray's life was not only defined by his hobbies and his faith but also by the love he had for his friends and the joy he found in the everyday. He approached life with an open heart, ready to embrace new experiences and cherish each moment. His gentle demeanor was a comfort to all, and his loving nature made him a friend to many.

As we say goodbye to Ray Charles Young, we reflect on a life lived with purpose and love. He was a man who understood the importance of community, the power of faith, and the value of a kind word. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and expressions of love.

In his passing, Ray leaves behind a world that he made brighter with his presence. His spirit, characterized by generosity and warmth, will continue to guide us. We bid farewell to a man who truly understood the essence of a well-lived life and who, by his example, showed us the importance of cherishing each day.

Ray's life story is not one of sorrow, but a celebration of a journey well-traveled, and a reminder to all of us to live with purpose, love with abandon, and always find time for a little bit of fishing. As we honor his memory, we take comfort in knowing that Ray Charles Young has found eternal peace and that his story will be told with fondness and a smile by those who knew him best.


Friends and family will be received Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sharon Purity Baptist Church, 3506 Young Road Plant City, FL 33565. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM.