Joe Young Jr. was born June 30, 1940, in Newbern, Alabama to Joe Sr. and Rosa. He was the couple’s 3rd born, behind Mamie and Mary. Due to the passing of his parents when he was 3 years old, he and his sisters were raised in Bessemer, Alabama by their older sister Mildred – who was truly the only mother that Joe knew.

Joe grew up along with a loving family of nephews and nieces, who were more like his brothers and sisters.

After finishing high school, Joe apprenticed as a barber – which would be his profession for all of his working life.

When he was in his late teens, he moved to Los Angeles, California where he was taken in by his Cousin Millard Ballard and his wife Adlay.

When he was in his mid-twenties, he met Judy Golson, whom he married. Soon after, he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He was called to basic training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. Judy, pregnant with his son Stephen, went with him.

Joe impressed his superiors (both with his work ethic and his barbering skills), and they elected to have him stationed stateside as a gun trainer.

After serving 2 years, he was honorably discharged and he and Judy returned to Los Angeles where they raised Stephen and later another son, Christopher.

Later in the 70s, Joe returned to school earning his Associates Degree from Cal State Northridge.

Joe was always very involved in his children’s lives, even regularly volunteering as a playground monitor every Tuesday (one of his two days off per week) at their grammar school.

Joe also liked to watch sports and read the sports page, which he did daily.

He worked for and later owned part of Pete’s Barbershop from the mid-70s, until he retired from barbering in the early 1990s.

Around this time, Joe and Judy decided to part ways as a married couple, but always remained good friends…speaking several times a day for most of the rest of his life.

Later, Joe moved to Denver, Colorado to be close to both of his sons and Stephen’s family.

Joe lit up every room he entered with his big smile and his friendly disposition. Everyone he met was taken by his kindness and genuine caring. Joe was also a strong man of faith, who never failed to wish God’s blessings for you when he ended a conversation.

Joe passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022, just shy of his 82nd birthday, reconnecting with his sisters Mary and Blanche. He is survived by his former wife and life-long friend, Judy Nail, his son Stephen, Daughter-in-Law Lesli, and his grandchildren – Grant and Holly, by his son Christopher, his sister Mamie, and his brother Robert along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.