Remembering the life, death and legacy of Purple Heart recipient Epolion ‘Sonny’ Youngblood.

Epolion ‘Sonny’ Youngblood was born on October 24th 1941 in Union Springs, AL. As a young boy he attended Hazelwood Elementary and other Anderson community schools before enlisting in the United States Army. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and after a successful career in the military he began working for General Motors in Anderson. He later retired from General Motors in Detroit.

Sonny lived life to the fullest. He was a chess aficionado, loved jazz and enjoyed a good glass of gin. He enjoyed collecting hats, playing pool, riding motorcycles, fishing and politics. Sonny was a family man. He always said “We are Youngbloods and we stand,” and he stood until he couldn’t stand any longer. After a long battle with leukemia he departed this life on January 16, 2018.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Johnson) Youngblood of Detroit; two daughters Jerusha Youngblood and Mariika Youngblood of Anderson; also his youngest and only son Terrell Youngblood of Detroit; three grandchildren Anike Omotunde, Nariah Johnson and Joclynn Patterson Anderson; three sisters Margaret Peeoples, Lillie Robinson, his youngest sister Brenda Youngblood; and brother Ronnie Robinson all of Anderson. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his youngest and beloved daughter Tiffany Youngblood, his mother Mary ‘Ivey’ Youngblood and his father Tepolion Youngblood.