Richard Matthew Younger Jr

Richard Matthew Younger, Jr, or “Matt”, as he was called by everyone who knew and loved him, went Home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 14, 2018 after a long battle with Guillain-Barre. The family can only imagine the celebration that took place when he reunited with his dad, grandparents, and uncles.

Matt was born on March 31, 1974 to Richard and Carol Younger. Matt always loved life, sports, riding dirt bikes and being with friends and family. Lately, his greatest joy, however, was spending time with his nephew, Tyler. Matt was so proud of the young man Tyler was becoming and loved being with him.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Weisner Younger, of Gibsonville, his only sister, Kimberly
(Richard) Thomas, his very special nephew, Tyler Thomas, whom he adored, and his beloved grandmother, Edna Weisner, whom he affectionately called “His Angel here on Earth.”  Matt was also so fortunate to have Ginger Jarrett in his life and to be her “special son”. Matt will truly be missed by his faithful dachshund, Pebbles, who was always by his side.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard M. Younger, Sr, grandfather, Charles Weisner, and paternal grandparents, Willie and Violet Younger.

Matt graduated from Western Alamance High School, where he played basketball all four years. He also attended Alamance Community College, majoring in business. Matt was an avid Carolina UNC Tarheel fan just like his dad, who always supported his UNC teams. When he wasn’t cheering on his Tarheels, Matt loved watching Alabama and Carolina Panthers Football. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing , water sports and all other sports before he got so sick in 2007. Matt was known for his personality, quick wit and sense of humor. He attended and was an active member of Gibsonville United Methodist Church. Matt was also a volunteer firefighter with Gibsonville Fire Department Station 28. He grew up in the Frieden’s community and enjoyed is life-long friendship with his fellow fire fighters in the brotherhood..

Matt began his career working with Burlington Parks and Recreation. He also taught numerous children how to swim at the Burlington Aquatics Center. Matt lived and worked in Charlotte for five years before returning to his hometown of Gibsonville to be closer to his family when his father became ill with Alzheimer’s . He was also an enthusiastic fund raisers for Alzheimer’s in memory of his father and grandparents, and in honor of his aunt and uncle.

Matt made his family a priority. He ensured that he spoke with his family every week without fail, and with his Grandmother Weisner every night at 7:00pm. Matt never knew a stranger, he would never let you leave without telling you he loved you. He made sure to let those he loved know exactly how much he loved them and we always parted with a hug. We were very fortunate that in his final days, Matt had told each of us he loved us, and we had the opportunity to tell him just how special he was to us. Although Matt suffered with this disease for more than 10 years, he remained positive and focused on spending time with his family.

Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington. A Service of Celebration of Matt’s life will be held at Gibsonville United Methodist Church at 11:00am on Friday, with Reverends Jonathan Marlowe and  Barry Lemons officiating. Matt will be entombed at Alamance Memorial Park in a crypt next to his grandparents.

The family will receive visitors at his mother’s house at 100 Bent Tree Court, Gibsonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gibsonville United Methodist Church, 501 Church Street, Gibsonville, NC or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4615 Dundas Drive, Suite 103, Greensboro, NC 27407.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Richard Letvak at LeBauer Healthcare, Dr. Joel Morganlander and Deb Stoia at of Duke, and Dr. Mark Miller at Kernodle Clinic, who were not only his doctors but his true friends. They demonstrated their compassionate medical care and frequently held Matt in their prayers. We appreciate their kindness and exceptional care to our beloved Matt.






 

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