John David Youngblood, 54

John David Youngblood, 54, of Fletcher, NC died June 19, 2012 at his residence.

Mr. Youngblood was born May 22, 1958 in Henderson County, to Kenneth and Joyce Johnson Youngblood. He was a 1976 graduate of Hendersonville High School and then graduated from Northwestern University of Evanston, IL with a BA in History and Literature of Religion.

Immediately following graduation he was engaged by Northwest University as an instructor of Medical Latin for pre-med students, and pursued his post graduate studies. He then moved to Orange Park, Fl and joined St. John's Academy where he taught Latin and Greek. Later he was affiliated with the Catholic Voluntary Missionary Movement-USA for two years where he taught Latin in Guatemala City, Guatemala Central America, at both St Mary's Seminary and St. Mary's College. Upon return to Hendersonville he volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for the Henderson County Court System.

Mr. Youngblood enjoyed traveling and especially the wine regions of France and Italy. He savored a delicious meal and interesting conversation with family and friends. He was compassionate and empathetic not only to his fellow man but also to animals and pets.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his sister Kaye Youngblood of Fletcher, NC, a nephew, Jake Youngblood, an Aunt Ann Allen of Hendersonville, NC, an Uncle David Johnson and his wife Becky of Encinitas, CA. Other survivors include six cousins: Beth Youngblood of Croton Falls, NY, Josie Youngblood Sidhu of Oceanside, CA, Katie Youngblood Henderson of Hendersonville, NC Mary Youngblood of Miami, FL, Peter Youngblood, Chicago, IL, and Sherry Johnson Hougard and Rick Johnson of Encinitas, CA.

He was predeceased by maternal grandparents David and Loraine Johnson and paternal grandparents Pete and Kate Youngblood, and his uncle Joe Youngblood.

A Service for the family will be held on Saturday June 23, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Fletcher United Methodist Church with Joy Moss officiating.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2012 from the Chapel of Our Lady of Angels at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, conducted by Father Andrew Novak.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hendersonville High School Scholarship Fund, 1 Bearcat Blvd. Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.