A gentle giant to many who knew him, Wallace Young Jr. was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday February 25, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. Born August 14, 1955 to Joyce Davis and Wallace Young Sr.,he was the first of his mother’s six children. After a well-decorated athletic career at Walter L. Cohen High,in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wallace, affectionately known as “June”, went on to join the United States Air Force in 1973.
After his assignment in Guam ended, Wallace returned stateside to the place he would find his bride, and raise his family. While stationed at Langley Air Force Base, he served as Military Police Officer along with his good friend and future Best Man, Wade Poston. After marrying Trudy Merriman in June of 1978, Wallace began working toward his Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship at Hampton Institute. Wallace’s stellar athleticism earned him opportunities to participate in collegiate football, basketball, and track and field. As his younger brother, Roynell Sr. tells it, “June had the talent to make it if he wanted ”, speaking of his brief time signed to the Kansas City Chiefs after graduating from Hampton. Throughout his career, Wallace worked as a Courier, Security Officer, and even as an entrepreneur. More importantly, Wallace chose family life as an honorable son, brother, father, and husband. He enjoyed 44 blessed years of marriage before the passing of his wife in November 2022.
Wallace was also preceded in death by his father, Wallace Young, Sr.; sister, Wylene Elizabeth Young; grandparents, Oliver Young, Sr., Stella Wiggs Young Gibbs, and Bertha Lawson Coatney; aunts, Jacqueline Martin, and Joann Rowan; uncles, Herbert Young, Sr., and Oliver Young, Jr.; and best friend, Esau Byerson.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Joyce; his children, Ryan, Byron, and Adriane (Tyrell); his siblings, Wallace Joseph, Michelle (Jerome), Roynell Sr. (Kathleen), Valerie (Reginald), Brian, and Darnell; his siblings – in- love, Leeanna, Irene, Carolyn, Floyd (Betty), Joyce (Ernest), Thelma, Peggy, and Ester; his “adopted sister”, Laberta Stokes; his Nieces and Nephews; extended family and friends.
Wallace battled prostate cancer bravely and with dignity just as he carried himself throughout life. It was his wish that his memory be celebrated rather than mourned. As he paraphrased his fight in his own words, “I win either way”.
I meet Wallace the day we got hire with FedEx and became close friends.Walley as I called him was a listener but can express a point to you so you can get it truly. I will miss him dearly.
You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and have my full support in every moment.
Forever a friend
Dutch
As a young boy, I was amazed and motivated in all that I saw “Unk” do. Like how he use to run the 2 mile roadway in front of Aunt Roses house from Aunt Carolyn’s up to the church hill and back. How he had to bend through every doorway. How he treated my Aunt “Tracey” with protection, respect and love. I knew no one would mess with my Aunt or my “cuzzes”. And when I was younger and visited during the short summer, I have been forever thankful for the Star Wars movies, fishing, laughing, talking and love. It was what I needed to see and be around for the summer. And to see big and tall College and KC level playing “Unk” drive a black paseo from SC to VA was aaaamazing. But it made it….until Adriane put some VA foot to it. HA…Who ever heard of a “tur-ducking”? It was a new one, but we ate it and it was actually pretty good.
Cuzzes….we love ya and will forever be here for all of you.
‘Those who walk uprightly enter into peace’…(Isaiah 57:02). Rest “Unk” for upright is how you walked, talked and showed us love for family and how to be a man. Aim High!!
Love Durwood, Veronica, James R, Vera, and Jasyah.
Rest easy Mr. Dub!! You have unlimited golf balls and courses you can travel to! I only ask that when you see my ball heading to the woods or water, knock it back in for me! Thank you for all of the laughs and competitive rounds on the golf course!
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Wallace Young Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Veteran, Wallace Young Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †