Charles Shafer Youngblood of Columbus died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at his home. Funeral arrangments were entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation was held Monday evenng at Memorial Funeral Home. His service was held Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, with Dr. Sam Morris, Rev. Tony Proctor and Rev. Anne Russell Bradley officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery in Columbus. Mr. Youngblood was born October 4, 1920 in Ethelsville, Al to the late Jim and Edna Redus Youngblood. He received his education and diploma from S. D. Lee High School in Columbus and graduated from the University of Al. Mr. Youngblood began his banking career in 1940 with the old Merchants & Farmers' Bank of Columbus. From there he entered the U.S. Air Force for 31/2 years during WW II. After returning to Columbus in May 1946, he became associated with First Columbus National Bank. He served in many positions before being elected President, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer, positions he held for 14 years before retiring in 1987. Throughout his banking career he served on the Executive Board and many other committees of the Mississippi Bankers Association. In 1975, he was appointed a member of the Memphis Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, MO. He served for six years and was the first civilian banker to be elected Chairman of that Board the last two years of his term. He also served as Chairman of the Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce where he became only the second person to be honored with "life" member status. Mr. Youngblood was Chairman of the United Way, past President of the Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served many years on the Salvation Army Board and M.U.W. Foundation Board. He was also a Director of the United Methodist Senior Services of Mississippi and a member of the Board of First Methodist United Church. Prior to this, he attended Central United Methodist Church and was active on many committees there. He was a life member of the American Legion and was very active in all community affairs, always working behind the scene to accomplish goals. He was a supporter of the Columbus Air Force Base and was selected to be in the first "Wingman Group". He was also a charter member of the Base Community Council and the Happy Irby Christmas Fund. He enjoyed golf and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Youngblood is survived by his wife Elizabeth T. Youngblood of Columbus, daughters Mary Elizabeth Shull(David) of Hattiesburg and Laurie Hudson (Calvin) of Jackson, sisters Helen Caffey of Jackson and Myrtle Nelson of Memphis, son-in-law Frank Manning of Irving, Tx., 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Judy Manning, one grandson and one great-granddaughter. Pallbearers were Dr. Martin Livingston, Dr. Perrin Smith, Robert L. Proffitt, Jr., James L. Campbell, Ira G. Carter, Johnny Phillips and Wendell Smith. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Lewis Fellowship Class of First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 32, Columbus, Ms 39703, Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, Ms 39703 or a charity of choice.
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