Trending
Columbia, South Carolina – John McMahon Young died on May 10 at age 79. Attorney Young was a Viet Nam veteran, a skilled athlete in his glory days, an Ohio State University enthusiast and a proud parent.
John attended Toronto, Ohio High School '61 and Ohio State '65. John's competitiveness and skill on the baseball field were memorable. His red hair, loud voice and athletic skill also served him well as an OSU cheerleader in front of 87,000 fans.
He graduated from South Carolina Law School and as an Adjunct Professor helped train generations of students. As lead Richland County Public Defender from 1972- 88 he was responsible for defending nearly all death penalty cases.
An Army Bronze Star for heroism was awarded during his 161 combat days in Viet Nam 1969-70. The war also punished him with lifelong PTSD.
John was the proud father of six children. Sally Goodwin is mother to John, Mary and Christopher. Sally Rentiers is mother to Sally, Katie and Emily.
He is survived by his six children and two former wives, his brother William Young of Hanover NH and his sister Patricia of Toronto, Ohio. He is predeceased by his parents Dr. John Young, Mary M. Young and his sister Mary who died in 1958 at age 7 following a bicycle accident.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ACOA Club. 2015 College Street, Columbia. SC, 29205
A service with Military Honors for Captain Young will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Wednesday May 17 at 11 AM.