Ray Young

Ray Young, 69 born, May 11, 1955, son of the late Lois & Rufus Young and received by His Heavenly Father July 15, 2024.
Ray cherished life, people and serving them. As a young Volunteer Fireman, he enjoyed coming to the rescue either on the end of a fire hose or helping free someone from a crushed car as much as the adrenalin volunteering as a City of Plant City and Hillsborough County Sherriff's Department Auxiliary man whether helping as a back up or preforming jail duty. When he saw the need he wanted to serve. He worked for Tampa Bay Trane company later establishing Ray Young Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc to meet the needs of friends and the business community, expanding to secure a State Class A Construction license to meet the needs of his Commercial customers.

Ray was a gentle man of integrity seeking to honor God and follow Christ's leading. He was ordained Deacon at 19, taking his vows seriously, committing himself to those he served in both church and community, not about Ray but honoring God and others. He loved his Heavenly Father, his best friend and wife of almost 50 years, his family and friends.

He served as: Board Member and President, Plant City Chamber of Commerce; Board Member and President, Florida Air conditioning Contractors Association; Board Member and Chairman, Florida Air Conditioning Contractor's Workers Compensation Self Insurance Fund; Member of the Planning Commission for Hillsborough County, and Member, the East Hillsborough County Law Enforcement Appreciation Board. Durning his trips to Tallahassee while serving in these different positions he worked closely with the attorney who wrote the Mechanics Lien Law, as well as, learning of forthcoming changes to the Self Insurance Industry, taking the Self Insurance Fund through many changes ultimately into several states before selling. The friends, the lessons and interactions he made with State Legislators, Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of State and Governor drew him to a desire to run for State office and becoming active in the Republican Party. He was not elected to the State Senate seat as desired but prior to Election Day he learned the contacts he had made as a candidate connecting them to friends in North Carolina provided the seed money and funds to start an Executive Ministry, therefore understanding the bigger Plan God had for him.

Ray enjoyed many hobbies such as golf, hunting, antique cars, working with his hands and his cattle.

He is survived by his Wife, Julie Wetherington Young; Father-in-law, Lewis Wetherington (Linda); Sister-in-laws: Jan Bohner, Kristi Wetherington; Nieces: Erika Montgomery, (Spence), Whitney Bohner, Paige Bohner; Nephews: Brock Wetherington, Parker Bohner (Becky); Brothers: Harold Abercrombie (Velma), Robert Abercrombie; Sisters: Mildred Perry (Paul), Marilyn Judd (Sam), Annette Catlett (Don); Aunt Jewel Drawdy, and many cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday August 2, 2024, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W Terrace Dr. Plant City, FL 33563. Where a Celebration of Ray's Life will follow at 11:00am Saturday August 3, 2024.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300