Roger Youngblood

Rogers Youngblood passed away peacefully at his home June 15, 2020, at the age of 93. Mr. Youngblood was born May 2, 1927, to the late James Howard and Hulda Minish Youngblood in Commerce, Georgia. When he was 12, he and his family moved to Buckhead where they worked for Joe Bell on his dairy. Mr. Youngblood began working with the Department of Transportation in 1946 after completing two years as a seaman in the Merchant Marines. During his tenure with the Department of Transportation, he helped with the building of I-20 from Atlanta to Augusta in the late 1960s. In 1953 , he moved with his wife Mary Elizabeth(Betty) Morris Youngblood and daughter Christine to Athens Highway and began operating his dairy farm with the help of Willie Burke, who worked with him for more than 30 years until he was no longer physically able. Mr. Burke’s sons Stanley and Olanders Burke continued to work on the dairy farm until it was no longer in operation. In 1978 , Mr. Youngblood retired from the Department of Transportation. Along with his son-in-law, Ronnie Long, he increased the herd and formed Pinecrest Dairy which remained in operation until 2009. Mr. Youngblood was one of the first directors for Morgan County Farm Bureau and remained on the board until 2005. He served on the board of Dairymen Inc. from 1979-1994, American Dairy Association from 1978-1994, and DHIA 1986-1992. Mr. Youngblood was honored in 2008 when the Department of Transportation recognized his service by naming a bridge on Highway 441, adjacent to his property, the Howard Rogers Youngblood Bridge. Mr. Youngblood was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He never missed a piano or dance recital in which his granddaughter Lisa performed. Later, when his great grandsons, John Dustin and Dawson Hawkins were born, he carried them to school and picked them up every day. As they grew old enough to play sports, he was a familiar sight at every game. He was a faithful supporter of anything in which his family was involved. In 2008, his beloved wife Betty of 58 years died, and he mourned her loss until the day he died. Mr. Youngblood was the epitome of a true family man. Even in his last days, his eyes would brighten when his family came to visit. Mr. Youngblood was preceded in death by his wife Mary Elizabeth Morris Youngblood, his brothers Otis Youngblood, Jack Youngblood, Bobby Youngblood and Jimmy Youngblood, one sister Sue Youngblood. Mr. Youngblood is survived by his daughter Christine (Ronnie) Long, his granddaughter Lisa ( Dusty) Hawkins, and his great-grandsons John-Dustin ( Alexis) Hawkins and Dawson Hawkins. He is also survived by his brother Johnny (Brenda) Youngblood and Betty (Toby) Tarpley. Mr. Youngblood was a life long member of Madison Baptist Church and attended faithfully until his health declined. He was a stellar member of the community who will be missed by many. He leaves a legacy of family, loyalty and great integrity.

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