1939-2025
Celebrating the Life of Joseph "Heavy" Young Jr.
On October 6, 1939, in Tillar, Arkansas, the late Josie and Joseph Young Sr. welcomed a son who would go on to touch the lives of so many, Joseph "Heavy" Young Jr. The Lord called him home on February 14, 2025, and though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing he is at peace, reunited with his wife, Vera Lee Young, and his daughters, Carolyn Young and Bobbie Jo Murphy, who all went before him.
Heavy was a man of quiet strength, strong hands, and an even stronger heart. He worked hard his whole life, spending nearly 30 years at Burlington before retiring. But retirement didn’t slow him down, he found joy in the simple things, like tending to his garden, casting a line in the water, hunting in the woods, and every now and then, outsmarting folks in a game of dominoes. He had a way of teaching lessons without saying much, especially to his grandkids and the neighborhood kids he put to work in his garden, for five dollars and a whole lot of wisdom.
Heavy gave his life to Christ at an early age, being baptized at New Bethel in Tillar, AR. Later, he joined Seven Star, where he served as a deacon assistant. But after his wife passed, church wasn’t the same for him, and though he didn’t walk through the doors again, his faith was still strong in his own way.
He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his love and his legacy:
Sons: Saul Young (Lakesha) and Robert Young (Jackie)
Daughters: Joann Young, Debra Young, and Helen Griswold (Thomas) of Reed, AR; Janet Lewis (John) of Carrollton, TX; Topaz Young of Little Rock, AR; Dora Nealon (Stephen) of Warren, AR; and Temeka Canada of Hammond, IN
Sisters: Betty Jo Austin of Reed, AR; Sharon Young of McGehee, AR; and Mary Grace Young of Little Rock, AR
Grandchildren: 26
Great-grandchildren: 26
And a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.
Heavy was a man who didn’t need a lot of words to make an impact. He showed his love in the way he provided, the way he worked, and the way he lived. His legacy isn’t just in the names listed here, it’s in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he left behind.
Rest easy, Heavy. Your work here is done.
