Lyle Higdon Youell, 1901-1989

Lyle Youell, better known as "Baldy Youell," was born in Grundy, Virginia, December 12, 1901. He had two sisters, a number of brothers, and they all grew up in southwest Virginia. Lyle attended King College in Bristol. It was while a student at King College that he acquired the nickname "Baldy," a name by which he was to become known throughout the remainder of his life!

Lyle played football at King College. As a young adult, he was well on his way to becoming bald, so he wore a hat wherever he went in his college days. One day he lost his hat and when his fellow classmates saw him, his nickname was born and became a permanent means of identification.

Baldy attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, following graduation from King College. He entered the ministry in the Presbyterian Church and served for six years in the service of that church. He entered the ministry of the Methodist Church because he was attracted to the itinerate ministry of our denomination.

Baldy served the following appointments: Rappahannock, Charlottesville District; Westmoreland, Rappahannock District; Bellevue Trinity and Chestnut Hill, Lynchburg District; Byrd Park and Decatur Street, Richmond District; Market Street, Eastern Shore District; Chesapeake Avenue and St. John's, Norfolk District; and St. Paul's Christiansburg, Roanoke District.

Churches which Baldy served grew in membership under his leadership. He had a profound interest in young people, and with his wife, Daisy, maintained an active ministry to youth wherever they served. He took pride in the maturity of youth in the Christian faith. Blessed with an outgoing personality, Baldy was privileged to lead two of his appointments in building programs.

In retirement, Baldy moved to Kinsale and served as supply pastor at Ebenezer, then later moved to Richmond where he became associated with the charge conferences of Trinity and later, River Road. His hearing and vision became impaired in the last days of his life, but not his spirit! His enthusiasm for the ministry and his love for serving God through the church were obvious in all he did and said.

Baldy died Dec. 12, 1989, and was buried at Blanford Cemetery in Petersburg on December 15. He is survived by his wife, Daisy; his daughter, Jean Y. Johnson; and his sister, Nora Y. Banner. When God called him home, He welcomed one who knew that the greatest privilege of any Christian is to be the servant of all. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, come and share your Master's joy!"

-George H. Freeman