Andrew Cliffton Young

Andrew Cliffton Young December 16, 1977 – March 27, 2026

Andrew Cliffton Young, age 48, was born on December 16, 1977, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He passed away on March 27, after a long and complex journey, leaving behind a family who cherished him deeply and will carry his memory forward.

Andrew was the beloved firstborn son of Steve and Dona Young of Gentry, Arkansas, and a devoted brother to Kristie (Tron) Wilder, Brooke Young, and Courtney (Amanda) Young. He was a treasured uncle to Ace and Jude Wilder, Kingston and Theo McWhite, Haden (Jessica), Weston, Ellie, and Emmy Young, and great uncle to Aiden, Benny & Sonny. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill and Wanda Young. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Andrew lived a life marked not by ease, but by extraordinary resolve. For decades, he fought a hard and often invisible battle with epilepsy, a struggle that shaped the course of his life but never defined him. Though the condition limited some of the paths he might have taken, it never diminished the way he showed up for others.

To know Andrew was to feel seen. He had a rare ability to be fully present with people, to listen, to notice, and to care in ways that made others feel valued. He was kind, thoughtful, introspective, and wise.

Andrew loved words and used them with care. He had a natural precision with language; even as a child, his siblings remember him gently (and sometimes not so gently) correcting their grammar. That attentiveness stayed with him throughout his life, reflecting his sharp mind.

Andrew was an avid reader and lifelong learner who could often be found with a Kindle in hand. He was also a patient and enthusiastic teacher, especially in chess. He spent countless hours teaching his siblings, nieces, and nephews how to play, moments that have now become treasured memories. If given the chance, each of them would gladly sit down for one more game with Uncle Andy.

Above all, Andrew loved his family with a deep and selfless devotion. He showed up quietly and steadily. His life was a testament to resilience, humility, and love.

Though his journey was not without hardship, Andrew’s story is one of perseverance and character. He made an impact not through grand accomplishments, but through the way he lived with intention, compassion, and a presence in the lives of those he loved.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held on May 24 at 2:00 PM at the Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrew’s honor to the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee.