Lawrence Nall Young

Lawrence Nall Young Obituary

Lawrence Nall Young, (Larry) 95 passed away quietly at his home on August 15, 2026, surrounded in love by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Elizabeth Umsted Young (Betty). Larry’s parents, Oppie L. and Bess Hall Young, were from Searcy, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by four brothers (Maurice, Oppie, Max and James) and one sister Helen.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Betty, and his two sons, Lawrence Milton Young (Camille) and James Umsted Young, and two grandsons, Lucas Ryan Young (Marissa) of Kingsport, TN and Caleb Milton Young. Two great-granddaughters, Addison Young and Kinsley Young, were the lights of his life. Larry is also survived by many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Uncle Precious.” He is predeceased by a brother-in-law, Milton Arthur Umsted III (Shirley).

Larry grew up in Bauxite, Arkansas and graduated from Judsonia High School. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and obtained a master’s degree from Arkansas State University. Larry served in the United States Air Force during the time of the Korean War. He met his wife Betty in Newport, Arkansas where they were both teaching school. Larry worked as a science teacher and school counselor, but his true passion was vocational education. He was the State of Arkansas Program Director for Adult Vocational Education. Larry served on the Board of Directors for National Bank of Arkansas. His love for building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes was well known. He exemplified virtues of kindness and humor, which was passed along to his sons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home, with a private family burial at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery to follow.