Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

EARL SYLVESTER YOUNG, affectionately known as “Puddin”, was born December 11, 1952 to Odessa L. Berkley and Earl S. Woodson and adopted by his great-grandparents, Smith and Eula Young. He was the eldest of all his siblings.

Puddin was educated in the Fayette County, West Virginia public school system. He was the star basketball player at Collins (Oak Hill) High School in the early 1970’s. He aspired to be a professional ball player but it wasn’t to be. In 1971, Puddin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and also served as a U.S. Army Reservist. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.

In 1972, Puddin was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Deena Johnson, whom he met at the tender age of 13. Their union was blessed with five children – Earl II, twins Dena and Lena (deceased), Michele, and Matthew.
Puddin worked various jobs as a logistical specialist and construction worker. In 2002, he was hired at the Veterans Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia as an Environmental Technician where he worked for 21 years until his retirement in 2018.

In his spare time, Puddin enjoyed relaxing to the sounds of smooth jazz. He loved basketball and many other sports. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

We rejoice that Earl accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior. On September 10, 2023, he was baptized alongside his wife, Deena. Although Earl succumbed to cancer, he fought a good fight!

Those celebrating his legacy of love and cherishing so many wonderful memories include his devoted wife of 51 years, Deena; children – Earl Young II, Michele (Dock) Reese, Matthew (Shannon) Young; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brothers – Gregory Berkley, William Berkley, Dale Berkley, Zachary (Pam) Woodson, Ronald Woodson, and Von Woodson; sisters – Yvonne Mims, Yvette Berkley, Yolanda Berkley, Yetta Allen, Earlene Bradford, Patricia (Ricky) Fennell, Geneva Lynch, Donna (Dean) Leftwich, Jacqueline Woodson, Niecy Woodson, and Van Woodson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Funeral service will be12:00PM Saturday, October 28, 2023 at First Missionary Baptist Church of Harvey Prudence Road
Harvey. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley