Fred Willard Young, Jr., affectionately known to many as “Frog,” passed away at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the age of 73.
Born on October 26, 1952, in Gainesboro, Tennessee, Fred was the beloved son of the late Fred Willard Young, Sr. and Ruby Demple Williams Young. He was a cherished member of his community, well-known for his vibrant personality and his innate gift for storytelling. He took great joy in sharing fond, animated tales about his childhood, keeping his family’s history and memories alive through his words.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Manuel D. Young, and his sister, Lena Diane Phillips.
His legacy of love and storytelling lives on through his surviving family. He is survived by his daughters, Tina (Mike) Gentry of Algood, Tennessee, and Teresa Strucienski of Carthage, Tennessee; and his sisters, Polly Copeland of Monterey, Tennessee, Lennie Welch of Monterey, Tennessee, Mary Katherine (Steve) Keith of Springfield, Tennessee, Judy Phillips of Cookeville, Tennessee, and Pearl (Jordan) Allan of Cookeville, Tennessee. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of Tennessee.
Graveside services to honor and celebrate Fred’s life will be conducted on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 12 Noon at Burris Cemetery, with Bro. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the cemetery grounds.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home (931) 268-1550.
