Maj. Gene Youngblood, Jr.

[ironputts]

October 5, 2021

Maj. Gene Youngblood, Jr.                  
Southside Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing

Gene Alton Youngblood, Jr. went home to be with His Lord on Tuesday, September 28th, 2021, at the age of 55.

Gene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Labeth; children, Bethany and Kyle Scharnhorst and grandson Caleb, Trace Youngblood, Grant Youngblood and Melody Youngblood; father and mother, Dr. Gene Alton Youngblood Sr. and Dr. Dorothy Youngblood; Three brothers and their families, Glenn and Tammy Youngblood; Katy and Abby, Greg and Randa Youngblood; Alivia and Aaron Kinlaw and great nephew Eli, Geoff and Debbie Youngblood, Tyler and Tiffany


Gene's first great love was his Lord. His family lovingly remembers how each time Gene taught on Scripture he had to make at least one reference to his favorite book; Genesis. A Baptist preacher himself, Gene was a pastor to pastors. His passion was encouraging, praying with, and listening to the needs of pastors as he came alongside them in every level of ministry to strengthen them in their work and assist in any way he could. He enjoyed being able to pray with the pastor before each service. He deeply loved being able to teach Sunday School and Discipleship classes, leading folks to a deeper understanding of God's Word. He had the rich privilege to serve in churches in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. He was known for his unwavering stand on the authority of Scripture and for teaching and preaching the Word in many different capacities throughout his life.

Gene's second great love was his wife and family. He is remembered as a loving husband of 35 years to Labeth, always bringing flowers and showering her with praise and love. Nothing was too good for his girl! He also spent every single morning without fail in quiet time with Labeth, reading the Word together and praying to begin each day. He was Godly Father to four children: Bethany, Trace, Grant, and Melody, and as "Grand" to his first grandson Caleb. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and unconditional love. His family remembers best his easy smile and penchant for teasing, as well as his integrity through many difficulties and his generosity with his time and talents.

He led the family in nightly devotionals and prayer, both as a family and individually. He loved tucking in the children at night, listening to them talk about their day, playing games with them, and then praying with them. He was intentional about taking each of the boys out to lunch, and each of the girls on "dates". When he bought flowers for Labeth, there was always another smaller bouquet for his daughters. It was very important to him for his girls to know how a man should treat them. Gene made himself available for anytime one of the children said, "Hey Dad, can I ask you something?"

He regularly showed videos on Biblical topics (like Genesis and creation) and discussed world issues, pointing the children to a Christian Worldview and how to defend their faith. The home was filled with discussions, and sometimes debate, about Christianity, politics, issues, and what he believed. Gene trained up his children to be Godly men and women, not just by his many discussions, but by example in how he treated his wife, and his children, and how he dealt with others both personally and in business. Gene's life was one of honesty and integrity.

Ask anyone what Gene did for work and you will get a myriad of answers. He was always drawn to technology and team-building. One of his greatest joys was in putting together a good team and seeing them successfully reach their goal. From the young age of 10 Gene has been the owner and builder of his own businesses, such as iTerion Strategies. His talent for team-building and problem-solving extended to other work as well ~ He enjoyed working with the International Mission Board in Richmond, VA to support ministry and missionaries abroad. He also had a very special place in his heart for his volunteer work with the Civil Air Patrol for many years as a character development officer making a difference in the lives of young cadets. When Gene saw a need, or a problem, he created ways to see it done.

Through his work he always invested time to make meaningful connections with people. Wherever Gene went, he always had a friend to connect with. He had an easy way with people, with his gentle teasing and compassionate listening ear.

Gene loved to say that "Surrender to the Lord is the Key to Success" and his determined hope was that "We are in His Hands for Him".
Gene's ultimate hope rested in the saving grace of His Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He fully trusted that His Lord is in control, and that he would one day see His Saviour face to face. His family rejoices in that hope, knowing that Gene is now with Jesus, and that they will each see him again one day.