Rev. Larry Grady Youngblood, age 85, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, surrounded by his family, at his residence. 

Mr. Youngblood left his feeble earthly shell and was immediately welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior. While he currently praises the Lord in his cancer-free body, we who remain here grieve – yet with the glorious hope of the coming resurrection. 

Remaining are his wife of 65 years Margaret Ann Youngblood; his six children, Kevin (Margie) Youngblood, Robby (Melissa) Youngblood, Angela (Marlin) Batten, Mark (April) Youngblood, Heather (Jonathan) Tomlin, and Paul Youngblood; Grandchildren, Andrea (Greg) Schmidt, Julie Youngblood, Katie (Robby) Jeffcott, Cristen (Evan) Tomlin, Robin (Mike) Pettit, Cody (Megan) Batten, William (Johanna) Youngblood, Meghan (David) Norris, Hadley (Steven) Sauls, Coltin Batten, Abby (Sam) Acton, Seth Youngblood, Carson Tomlin, Nathan Youngblood, Brett Tomlin, Zach Youngblood, Micah Youngblood, Holly Tomlin and his 11 great grandchildren; and his sister Betty (Lamar) Purcell.

Mr. Youngblood was born to Garnet and Carrie Youngblood on June 8, 1941, and was gloriously born of the Spirit the first Sunday evening of October 1965. That new birth from above completely changed the trajectory of his life, marriage, and eternity. As he often witnessed, “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people” and “You must be born again.”

To many he was known as a preacher, pastor, Dr. Youngblood, counselor, author, brother, son, boss, businessman, or friend. But to us, he was Dad. Over these past few weeks, our family conversations have naturally turned toward what Dad meant to us and the lasting impact he made on our lives. What follows is my humble attempt to journal some of those thoughts—to put into words the man we were blessed to call Dad.

Dad was committed. Once Dad formed a belief he was committed—not halfway, but all in. We saw him remain faithful to churches through thick and thin, through splits, and members leaving, and he continued to preach even when they rolled their eyes. Sadly, time has proven him right more than once. He was just as committed to political candidates and sports teams. Georgia Tech is one of those commitments some of us have questioned over the years.

Dad was consistent. He was always the same. Truthfully, what he said was not always what you wanted to hear, but you always knew what he was going to say. He did not waver when it came to truth.

Dad stood faithful. He stood by what he believed, come what may. Opportunities, money, and accolades were offered if he would compromise, but he chose to stand firm. He was faithful in his doctrine, his business dealings, his relationships, his family, his finances, and, most importantly, his faith. That stand sometimes cost him. But he was far more concerned with what the Lord wanted him to do.

Dad Loved Deeply. Love was another word that came to mind as we talked about him. Sometimes it was tough love, but at the root of everything—every decision he made, the rules he established, the counsel he gave—was a deep love for people and God. And his love was Dependable. If Dad promised you something, he was going to be there if he possibly could.

For 47 years he shepherded the flocks entrusted to him at Second Baptist, Westside Baptist and Calvary Baptist. He was dependable to pray for, love, guide, counsel and help each and every member. He did not simply occupy the role of pastor; he carried the responsibility of shepherding to heart.

Dad lived simply. This is another word our family used to describe him. He lived simply and trusted God simply. He truly only loved God, his family, his ministry, his flock, and Georgia Tech. His faith was simple. If the Bible said it, then it was truth and settled, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

His expectations for us as a family followed this one basic principle. As for me and My house we will serve the Lord. Dad earned many titles and won the accolades of men, but those were never what mattered most to him. Above every title, every accomplishment, and every word of praise, he longed to hear “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” He lived for the approval of the Father whose praise only truly matters. We are confident he was ushered into the presence of the Lord and is forever praising the Lamb he adored.

That is the legacy Dad leaves us: a life committed, consistent, faithful, loving, dependable and simple—A life fixed on Christ.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church, Carl, with Pastor Kenny Kuykendall, Pastor Kevin Youngblood, and Pastor Doug Swafford officiating. A private burial will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hartwell. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Maddox Memorial Home. 

Flowers are accepted for the funeral service of Rev. Larry Youngblood. 

Maddox Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.