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.