Daniel “Dan” Thomas Young, age 81, of Fayetteville, TN, formerly of Paradise, CA, passed away on October 31, 2025, at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL. Born on January 6, 1944, in Cleveland, OH, Dan was the son of the late Lawrence Frederic Young and Mary Eleanor Yanak Young. A man dedicated to service, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy and had a distinguished career in law enforcement, retiring as an Assistant Sheriff with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office in California. Dan’s deep faith was evident in his active membership at St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion and the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association.
Above all, Dan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Gayle Young, and their three daughters: Suzie (Todd) Boothe of California, Lisa (Dan) Johnston of Tennessee, and Stephanie (Pete) Shepherd of North Carolina. His legacy will live on through his seven grandchildren—Brittany (Oscar) Correa, Peter Shepherd, Troy Shepherd, Jordan Boothe, Haley Boothe, Daniel Johnston, and Tanner Johnston—and his four great-grandchildren: Rayce Correa, Elena Correa, Ximena Correa, and Hadley Shepherd. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry (Eva) Young of CA, David (Marsha) Young of CA, and Mary Lou Shadley of CA, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Thrasher.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5 PM until 7 PM on Friday, November 7th, at Higgins Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary Prayer service at 7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. George Panthananickal officiating, and burial will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus.
The family is being served by Higgins Funeral Home, 213 Market Street East, Fayetteville, TN 37334, and online condolences may be left at www.higginsfh.com.
10 Comments To "Daniel “Dan” Thomas Young"
#1 Comment By Maritza Revoir On November 3, 2025 @ 11:50 am
Dear Stephanie and family,
Saddened to hear this. Your dad was such a nice man always involved with the kids. For us, it was through Girl Scouts. Sending all of you my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Maritza Revoir
#2 Comment By James ford On November 3, 2025 @ 5:28 pm
Dan was a wonderful man. My sister was in and out of jail when Dan was running the jail in Butte County and he was really trying to help my sister out dealing with her drug addiction. He allowed me to pick her up take her shopping and take her to lunch. Just trying to turn her life around. I couldn’t believe that something that nice could happen. He really tried to help her and I’ll be forever grateful for that. So sorry for your loss.
#3 Comment By Derek Ralston On November 3, 2025 @ 7:39 pm
He was my boss for many years and always treated me fairly, with respect, and a sense of humor. He will always be remembered by his smile and his rather loud greetings. He was a good man.
#4 Comment By Linda & Fred Boothe On November 3, 2025 @ 9:44 pm
Fred & I will greatly miss Dan. The years we visited with them in Paradise/Chico and attending grandparents day with Jordan & Haley are treasured times in our memories. Our prayers are with each one of you. You will learn to live without him but you will never stop missing his presence. May we all be reunited in Heaven never to say goodbye again. ❤️
#5 Comment By Todd Pieper On November 4, 2025 @ 12:21 pm
Uncle Danny was my mother, Terry Pieper’s uncle, and I have fond memories of visiting Paradise as a child and hanging out with my Cousins Suzie, Lisa and Stephanie and always getting to sit on and check out Uncle Danny’s motorcycle (and guns) I mean what little boy doesn’t like guns and motorcycles! My favorite memory however is when Danny and Gayle were on a motor cycle trip and stopped to stay with us in Oregon. Uncle Danny was playing around with his handcuffs and handcuffed my Mom for fun, to give her the whole experience! The best part was he had lost the key and had no way to uncuff my Mom and my Brother and I thought it was the funniest thing ever! We eventually called the local Sheriffs office and they sent someone down to our house to unlock the cuffs but I remember it fondly to this day! Thanks for the memories, smiles and laughs – you will be missed!
#6 Comment By Tony Burdine On November 4, 2025 @ 1:11 pm
I started my career riding with Dan in Paradise, BCSO. He was a very calming person around the substation having to put up myself, Larry Estes, Roger Levey , Dick Door and all of us. Also the good times meeting at Mac Foster Freeze meeting all you girls, fun. Great memories for sure.
#7 Comment By Mick Grey On November 5, 2025 @ 7:42 am
Dan and I first met over 50 years ago as deputies working the night shift in Paradise. We backed each other on hundreds of calls, many involving violent situations. I always took comfort in knowing Dan was there—steady, calm, and ready to help. I especially looked forward to the nights we were assigned to work together.
We became close friends, often talking about our families and how our kids were doing. Dan was immensely proud of his family. Gayle was the rock of the Young household, raising three beautiful daughters while Dan worked every shift imaginable.
Dan was the kind of officer who was always fair and exercised sound judgment. His abilities were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the investigations division, where he became the department’s expert in juvenile and sex crimes. He successfully closed hundreds of cases involving innocent victims and some of society’s most depraved individuals.
Later, Dan was appointed Assistant Sheriff and took command of the jail—at that time, unquestionably the most challenging assignment in the department. The jail had suffered years of neglect, was overcrowded, and was severely understaffed. Dan began planning for a new facility and worked tirelessly to secure funding. He envisioned a jail that would be safe and efficient for both staff and inmates. Traveling across the state, he studied the best and worst of newly constructed county jails and state prisons. Dan oversaw every aspect of the project—from planning and contractor selection to construction. He even wrote the operational manual and staffing requirements. The new jail was completed on time and within budget.
Dan’s moral compass, love of family, and unwavering dedication to duty were admired by all and set an example for everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Rest in peace, my friend.
#8 Comment By Rebecca On November 5, 2025 @ 7:44 am
My prayers are with Gayle and the entire Young family. I enjoyed working with Dan when he volunteered for many years at Feather River Hospital.
#9 Comment By Terry Pieper On November 8, 2025 @ 8:57 pm
Danny was my uncle. My favorite uncle as he made me call him. But we both knew that was the truth. I can’t remember a time when we would visit my Aunt Gayle, Uncle Danny, and my cute cousins Suzie, Lisa, and Stephanie, that we wouldn’t have a good time. Their house was warm and fun even when Uncle Danny would be tormented by my dad which tended to happen a lot. He always made me feel special as I was growing up. He had a knack. I will miss my favorite uncle and remember him always with much love.
#10 Comment By Trina Wehle On November 8, 2025 @ 11:13 pm
Dan was one of those people who can seem intimidating when you first meet them but as you get to know them you find that warm, caring person who thinks and feels things intensely. He was someone I looked up to at our department when I began my career as a 9-1-1 dispatcher in 1991. As I became good friends with his daughters and got to know him on a personal level. I discovered he was someone you could count on to be there in good times and bad, just like family. He and Gayle always made me feel a part of their family. I will always remember Dan with fondness and love.