William Byrd Youngblood, Jr.

William Byrd “Bill” Youngblood, Jr., age 93 of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully the morning of October 7, 2023, at Millcroft Living, Newark, DE with family by his side. 

Bill was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Gilda Louise (Primaldi) Youngblood, parents, William B. Youngblood, Sr. and Marie Ellis Youngblood, half-brother, James H. Cole, and sisters, Emma “Doris” (Youngblood) Schuetz, and Minnie “Peggy” (Youngblood) Bailey. 

Bill is survived by his sister, Ora Lee (Youngblood) Stevenson of Corpus Christi, TX; four devoted daughters, Anita Williamson (Charles) of Snellville, GA, Donna Youngblood of Newark, DE, Barbara Wood (Robert) of Sunnyvale, TX, Judy Coll (John) of Wyoming, DE; four grandsons, Randy, Andrew (Melanie), Ryan (Jennifer), and Matthew; three granddaughters, Lauren (Mike), Pamela, and Kara (Jared); three great-granddaughters, Emma, Olivia, and Lainey; and many loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Bill was born in East Prairie, MO.  He later moved to Falfurrias, TX where he graduated from high school and enlisted the US Army.  He served in Korea and achieved the rank of Corporal.  He was honorably discharged January 1950.

Bill worked for General Motors, Food Fair/Pantry Pride, and Continental Baking Company, where he retired.  He also served as a mechanic at the Claymont Service Center.

Bill is best known for his mechanical and carpenter skills.  He loved to work on cars and could fix almost anything.  His children richly benefited from the many wooden items he built from scratch such as shelving, handrails, and swing sets.  He was very patient with his sons-in-law and freely shared his skills and tools.

Pop enjoyed playing his harmonica which soothed his soul.  Recently, he gave an unofficial, spontaneous concert at Millcroft to the delight of many residents.  He would do the same for his family, especially his grandchildren. 

Some of Pop-Pop’s most treasured memories were of time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He loved their laughter and enthusiasm which always brought a smile to his face and joy to his heart.

The family wishes to thank all of the loving people at Compassionate Care Hospice and Millcroft Living who cared for Pop during his final days.  We also want to thank his devoted home caregivers for their kindness and exceptional care.

A viewing will be held on Monday, 0ctober 16, 2023 at Gebhart Funeral Home, 3401 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703 from 10:00am until 11:00am where a funeral service will begin at 11:00am.  Burial will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE 19720.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society, (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/PAE/Donate).

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726

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