John Wesley Young, age 76, passed away Saturday January 6,2024 at the Lauderdale Community Hospital, Ripley, TN.
John Wesley Young was born July 25,1947 in Brownsville, TN to parents Dora and Ellis E Young, Sr. In the early years growing up he was known as John or Johnny by his family but later took on his middle name Wesley as he believed it to be more masculine and less common. Wesley grew up with sisters Becky and Nita and was always seen with his younger brother Eddie. In those early years people would think Wesley and Eddie were twins mainly because they were about the same size and Wesley’s mother Dora would dress them just alike and even comb their hair the same way. Wesley grew up in a close Christian family and attended Salem Baptist Church near Henning, TN.
Wesley played football for the Ripley High School Tigers and lead the school in most yards gained in his football career at Ripley High School, a record that remained unbroken for years to come. Wesley also ran track and once was clocked at 10 seconds flat in the 100yard dash. Wesley was most proud of his accomplishments in football and was once recognized for leading the Ripley Tigers to the Big 10 Conference Playoffs. He was also a boxer and fought in the Golden Gloves.
Wesley also loved music and played drums in several different bands. After high school he took courses from American Broadcasting to become a radio and sports announcer. He later got a job with WTRB (1570 AM) working evenings and weekends as a disc jockey.
Wesley had several jobs in his younger years but made a career at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary as the Yard Supervisor and retired to take care of his wife Ann who was having health issues. Wesley loved Ann dearly and wanted to be there to care for her.
Wesley is survived by Ann Viar Young, 2 daughters, Leslie Toney of Batesville, MS and Beth Ann Choate of Ripley; 3 sons Brian Young of California, Jonathan Tatum and Jim Sanders both of Ripley; 2 sisters Rebecca Mustain of Dyersburg, and Nita Anderson of Hendersonville, TN; a brother Eddie Young of Olive Branch, MS; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Friday, January 12th at Garner Funeral Home, 205 Lake Drive, Ripley, TN 38063. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with services to follow at 2:00 pm.
May Wesley rest in peace and in heaven with our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
