James Kenneth Youngblood

James Kenneth Youngblood was born on October 11, 1941, in Treutlen County, to William & Mildred Youngblood. Kenneth was the baby of the family. His brother, Spencer was fifteen years older than him and his sister, LaVerne, was eight years older. He had a brother who died at a young age. Edsel Youngblood was his brother who was born in 1931 and passed away at the age of two. Kenneth attended school in Reidsville until his 9th grade year. His family then moved to Mount Vernon and he attended school and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1959. After graduation, he attended Brewton Parker College. It was there that he met the love of his life. Karen Danette Dunham, from Ludowici, with her cute ponytail and beautiful face, caught the eye of this handsome 18 year old boy. Their storybook romance continued to grow and they were married on June 4, 1961, in Ludowici, Georgia, at the parsonage of Jones Creek Baptist Church by Reverend Jim McCombs. Kenneth worked at the Georgia State Prison in the Record Office. They made their home on the prison reservation. It was in this tiny, block house that they made a home for the two daughters that they would soon welcome. Kimberly Gayle Youngblood and Krystal Lynette Youngblood brought immense joy to the lives of their parents. These two little blonde haired girls were loved more than anyone could EVER imagine. Kenneth went to Georgia State Patrol School in 1965, graduated and became a State Trooper, stationed at Post 18, Reidsville, Ga. He retired in 1979 but continued his law enforcement career as a Deputy in both Tattnall and Toombs Counties. After 34 years of dedicated law enforcement work, he retired and became a babysitter for his three grandchildren. Kay-Lyn Tatum, born in 1988, Tyler Kenneth Trull, born in 1990 and Kameron Trent Tatum, born in 1992, were the greatest “things” that ever happened to Blood & Kay. While Kim & Krystal worked, Blood became the official babysitter for the children. He became Blood to all of their friends, even babysitting some of them. As time went by, Kay retired from the Georgia Department of Corrections as Deputy Warden of Administration. Their love story would become even sweeter as they were able to spend more time together. Upon Kay’s retirement, she and Blood became babysitters for their great nephew and niece, Spencer Lane Hinson and Kenzie Kay Hinson. These two babies brought so much enjoyment to Blood and MeMa’s (as Spencer and Kenzie called them) lives. Kenneth was “a man’s man”! “He Walked Tall”! He left a mark on the local law enforcement community. Young Troopers and Deputies are still hearing stories about Blood…aka, “Big & Bad” as nicknamed by Sheriff Romie Waters. He was well respected in the area as was evident by the number of people who attended his visitation and funeral service. People waited in line at the visitation for over one and a half hours to show their respect. Pineview Baptist Church overflowed with friends and family at his funeral. Approximately 450-500 people attended his funeral which meant so much to our family.