Robert Ray Young (Gopher)

He attended public school in Galveston ISD at Carver Elementary, middle school at Goliad Middle School and was a 1966 graduate of Central High School Bearcats. After graduation he attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.

In 1968, Gopher started working for Amoco Refinery, and soon transferred to the Amoco Chemical plant, where he continued his career for thirty-five years as a pipefitter and a maintenance supervisor. After his retirement, he continued in several other plants as a contract supervisor. With his love and passion for people, he also became a student driving instructor for South Region Driving School. He was a strong man of God with strong faith who really loved the Lord Jesus. His love for family and his zest for life kept him with an infectious attitude for all. He never knew a stranger; he always greeted everyone with a smile and a warm conversation.

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Gopher closed his eyes here on earth and opened his eyes to the face of Jesus. The Bible says, “To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8) He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton Young and Cora Hector Price; his grandparents, Annaizer “Poppa” Young and Ellen “Pearl” Young.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years Shirley Hughes Young; his children Brian Charles Young and Courtney James Young; his siblings Melton Young, Donald Young, Gail Hutchinson, Ronald Young, Kenneth Young, Katina Young, Hortense Garrett, Julia Walker and his devoted sister-in-law, Pamela Hughes Collins; his grandchildren Kamron Williams, Christen Young, Brianna Young, Zoe Young, Courtney Young, Jr, and Kobie Smithers; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members (Word Power Church and St. Paul UMC), co-workers, neighbors and special friends.

A visitation for Gopher will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and funeral service to start at 2:00 pm with a committal and reception to follow. All services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas. Please leave condolences and share memories below for the Young family.

Services will be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/@powerlifetv?si=RApAmm4kGUyci1cv