Ronald Young

Ronald Lee "Ron" Young - singer, songwriter, journalist, son, brother, uncle, and friend - passed away on May 11, 2017, at age 67, after a long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, William D. Young; his stepfather, Tony Capitao; and two brothers, Clay and Rick Young.

A native of San Antonio, Ron graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, and attended San Antonio College and the University of Texas at Austin. For four decades, he was a fixture in the Texas and Nashville music scenes. As an artist, Ron wrote more than 400 songs; was a Kerrville Folk Festival finalist; recorded with such artists as Augie Meyers;, Ruben V, and members of Tennessee Valley Authority; and opened shows for Billy Joe Shaver, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Peter Rowan, and others.

Ron reviewed and interviewed established and rising stars of rock, pop, and country as a critic and columnist for the San Antonio Light from 1980-1993, and as the guiding force behind the legendary local magazine It's Only Rock'n'Roll. His song "Stick A Fork In Us (Done)" became the jingle and hold music for County Line BBQ, and his latest song, "A Lot of Room to Talk," was recorded by The Voice finalist Jake Worthington, and reached #1 on the Texas radio charts.

Ron was passionate about Texas music, and proud to support Texas artists, who repaid the support in his time of need. When he was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2012, his family (with the help of his friend and caregiver Tana Thomasson) rallied the San Antonio music and arts community to raise awareness and funds as he underwent extensive treatment.

He is survived by his mother, Bobbie Capitao of Stockton, CA; his aunt, Monica Catelli of Stockton; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Ana Young of San Antonio, TX; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, including the godson and niece who inspired him, Jonathan Frost and Nikki Young of San Antonio; and thousands of fans, friends, and supporters across the U.S. who will remember his support, his songwriting, and most of all his generous spirit.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home (7735 Gibbs Sprawl Rd, San Antonio, TX 78239) at 2pm on Saturday, May 27; guests are invited and encouraged to share their thoughts, memories, and tributes to Ron. Following the service, a Celebration of Life, will take place at 2pm on Sunday, May 28 at Grady's Bar-B-Q (13525 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247), with performances by an all-star lineup of the San Antonio artists Ron inspired and supported.

In Lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to: Music Cares Foundation or The Forever Young Foundation (email nikki@nikkiyoung.biz for details).