Freddy Key Young

August 10, 1933 - September 30, 2022

Freddy Key Young, age 89, loving Christian Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great- Great- Grandfather, Caretaker and friend joined his Lord and Savior on September 30th, 2022, surrounded by his 3 children and 2 Granddaughters. He fought a diligent 11-year fight with Congestive Heart Failure and Kidney Disease. He died 4 months after the love of his life Patricia Kay Young. They were married for 61 wonderful years. He is preceded in death by his daughter Terri Lynn Young (1954), Father Willie Pierce Young (1979), Mother Ruth Myrtle Young (1983), brother Garland Pierce Young (1989), and brother Roland Dale Young (2010).

Freddy was born in Jean, Texas on August 10th, 1933, and moved from their farm in Jean to Grand Prairie, Texas when he was 9 years old. Freddy loved sports and became actively involved in softball at the age of 13 with First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. He was a 1951 graduate of Grand Prairie High School where he played Varsity basketball, football and was All District in baseball. He was President of his Senior Class and the Student Body for the Class of 50-51. He remained active in reunions, class lunches and the Grand Prairie Historical Organization until his death.

In 1951 he joined the National Guard and honorably discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the 49th Armored Division, where he served until 1958. He also fought in the Golden Gloves Boxing for several years.

Freddy's first marriage in 1951 was blessed with 2 beautiful daughters Terri and Kimmi. It was at this time Freddy began his career in the mattress industry. He began as a mattress assembler with Simmons, promoted to Foreman, Supervisor and then Plant Manager. Following a trip to Chicago and a chance meeting on a plane with Earnest Wulliger, owner of Ohio Mattress Company, Freddy changed companies and with a hand shake he secured his future. Ultimately rising to Vice President of Operations for Sealy/Stearns and Foster and Vice President of International Licensees. He received several Sealy Presidential awards which is the ultimate honor in the mattress industry all while making sure his employees were treated with the utmost respect.

Freddy and Pat married on September 17th, 1960. They had two children together Debbi and Greg. Freddy and Pat loved to play sports together and watch their children play sports. Freddy and Greg worked together at Sealy for 14 years. Freddy participated in church, local, regional, and national softball events and eventually played senior softball where he and Pat developed lifelong friendships with other couples. He was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 1989. Pat and Freddy were inducted into the City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame.

Freddy was involved with his First Baptist Church family where he has been a member since 1948. He served as a Youth director, in the Bus Ministry, Children's Church, Building ministry and Master Builders. He was a current member of the Encouragers Class. Freddy was a deacon that shared his gifts on finance and building and grounds committees. He was always available for any project that needed to be done. He was also a member of Texas Baptist Men and was trained for the chainsaw team and certified for water purification. He then served in Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami where he helped build freshwater wells for the villages. Freddy's church and church friends meant the world to him, and he cherished those relationship all the way to his final breath.

Following retirement Pat and Freddy moved to the south side of town and built their dream home where they entertained for holidays. They loved to decorate for Christmas and built many custom decorations to display in their large front yard. They loved to decorate with all their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. It was a family effort. Freddy shared his knowledge of all things electrical with his Granddaughter Kayla.

Freddy is survived by his children Kimmi Ruth Patterson, Deborah Kay Johnston (Stuart), and Gregory Key Young (Zena), 8 Grandchildren, Deawnna Lynn Kolbe (Brett), Deliana Marie Glenn (Coby), Deleah Jo Starnes (Shane), Jeremy Joseph Johnston (Lindsey), Kayla Nicole Johnston, Joshua Seth Fernino, Danniele Cecelia Balis (Josh), and Cameron Key Young. 12 Great Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews, and their spouses.

Freddy was a wonderful Christian man who loved the Lord and his family. He demonstrated this all the way to the end. The family would like to thank all the caretakers that helped in his final days. Mountain Creek Retirement Home, and his countless friends who checked on him daily and sometimes hourly. Special thanks to his Granddaughter Deliana Glenn for arranging all the caregivers and making sure Daddy was comfortable.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 8th, 2022, at 11am at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie, located at 950 Mayfield Rd. Grand Prairie, Texas 75052. A private interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be prior to the memorial service at 10am. Memorial donations can be made to the Pat and Fred Young Scholarship Fund or the First Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund.