Mr. Eddie Lee Young

Reflections of the Life of Minister Eddie Lee Young, Sr. “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1 A TIME TO BE BORN: Eddie Lee Young was born on March 26, 1944, in Orangeburg, South Carolina to the late Deacon Sammie and Nellie Queen Seawright Young. His parents and sisters, Annie Lois Yon, and Rebecca Battle all preceded him in death. In 1962, Eddie graduated from Wilkinson High School and enrolled at S.C. State College where he was initiated into Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics in 1966. Additionally, he pursued graduate studies at the University of Washington DC and special certifications in environmental services at Georgia Tech University. In 2009 he graduated from PISTIS school of ministry. A TIME TO COMMIT: Ed gave his heart to Christ as a youth, at the Saint Paul Baptist Church, in Orangeburg South Carolina. Under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Henry T. Williams Sr., Ed received early Christian leadership training and became a Sunday school teacher and later the Sunday school superintendent while in high school and college, respectively. A TIME TO SERVE: After college, in 1966, Eddie reported to the United States Army commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He became a paratrooper in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He served two tours of duty as a Medic in the Vietnam War and earned numerous accommodations including two Bronze stars for exhibiting courage under fire. Ed was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1970. Ed entered the teaching profession and later became principal of the Woodward Preparatory School in Washington, DC. until 1975. He shifted professions to pursue work as a chemical engineer in the water treatment division with Nalco Chemical Company in St Louis, Missouri and later to Calgon Corporation in Southfield, Michigan. Thereafter he stretched out in faith with the entrepreneurial spirit. He was a business owner and said he would never retire. He loved his work, and loved helping people with new startups and others to grow their businesses. A TIME TO LOVE: On December 13, 1969 Ed entered into holy matrimony with his high school sweetheart Arlene Hanton and to that union three strong handsome sons were born: Eddie Jr., Christopher, and Patrick. Ed and Arlene were blessed and have been a blessing with love to others throughout the years. A TIME TO BLESS: Minister Young was fondly known as “Deacon Ed Young” and accepted his call to minister while serving as a faithful member on the Deacon Board at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church from 2002-2006, under the shepherding of Dr. David L. Roberson, Pastor. Minster Ed served as the Superintendent of Sunday School, he sang with the Voices of Hope, and was an active member of the Mountain Moving Men. In addition to his ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, he also served in other ministry capacities at Word of Faith International Christian Center and Resurrection Mission Baptist Church over the years. A TIME TO CHERISH: Ed was a very loving and compassionate man who treasured and supported his family and friends. He had a yearning and quest for knowledge and wisdom; and was a true history buff, bible scholar, and a scrabble master. Ed liked to challenge others while seeking to help them grow. He knew what he knew and was always eager to share his wisdom. Ed had a love for sports and even coached his sons on to victory as their little league baseball coach. He especially cherished his time spent with his wife watching their three sons excel in sports. Ed was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha, S.C. State Alumni Association, American Chemical Society, and among others, a member of the Macon-Thomas Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. A TIME TO REST: On Thursday morning, March 12, 2015, at his home in Southfield, Michigan, Minister Eddie Lee Young, Sr. answered God’s call and transitioned from this life, when the Master stretched out his hand and said well-done good and faithful servant. He made a peaceful transition to his heavenly home, with his loving wife Minster Arlene Hanton Young of 46 years by his side.

Mr. Eddie Lee Young

March 26, 1944 - March 12, 2015