Walter W. Young, Jr.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Brother Walter W. Young Jr.

Walter W. Young Jr., 91, of Charlotte passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 25th, 2021. He was born on November 4th, 1929 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to the late Walter W. Young, Sr. and the late Alma Bunch Young.

As a child, Walter worshiped with his parents and grandparents at the AME Zion Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

After his mother became ill and passed away, Walter moved to Corning, NY to live with his father, stepmother Mabel and paternal Grandmother. He attended First Presbyterian Church.

Walter completed his elementary and high school education in Corning, NY; he was an outstanding athlete and played football, basketball and ran track. Walter was also very active in scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Corning Free Academy High School with honors in 1949.

After High School, Walter worked under the tutelage of his father learning the trade of sign painting. After learning commercial art and sign painting, he was hired as a painter for the Corning Glass Works. In 1951, Walter was drafted into the United States Army and fought in the Korean War; he was honorably discharged after 2 ½ years of combat service.

After his military assignment, he returned to his job at Corning Glass Works and attended Corning Community College. Walter was active in sports playing semi-pro football, bowling, fishing and hunting. His hobbies also included collecting coins, rare stamps, baseball cards and sports memorabilia. Walter also enjoyed oil and watercolor painting.

In 1958, Walter met the love of his life, Martha Helen Yearby. They were married in Moultrie, GA on July 12th, 1959 and lived in Bath, NY. They have two children, Shari and David. Walter was very active in his children’s lives and served as his son’s Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football Coach.

While working at Corning Glass Works, he progressed through various trade positions from Template Maker to Machinist Tool Maker. Walter retired after 30 years of service in December 1984.

Walter and Helen relocated to Albany, NY in 1985 after Helen accepted a promotional opportunity with the VA Medical Center. Walter spent his free time attending coin and stamp shows, gardening and traveling. Walter and Helen traveled extensively to Europe, Asia and Africa.

In January 1995, Walter and Helen moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to their son David, his wife Faith and grandchildren Jordan and Kelsey.

Walter was active in retirement, working in security at UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte Hornets Basketball games. Walter and Helen joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Walter served on the Boy Scouts Council reviewing qualifications of prospective Eagle Scouts and participated in Senior Ministry programs.

Walter truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. As an only child, he embraced his wife’s family and friends. He took care of his immediate and extended family, enjoyed sports, painting, cruises, casinos, concerts, snow skiing, dancing, bowling, family gatherings and taking his children and grandchildren on trips throughout the United States, as well as attending their school and sporting events.

Walter was affiliated with the following organizations:

• Corning/Elmira NAACP
• Crystal City Social Club of Corning, NY
• President of the Bath Coin Club
• Member of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Walter is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Helen; children Shari Young-Aughtry (Michael) and David Young (Faith); grandchildren Jordan Young, Kelsey Young and Shayla Aughtry; sisters-in-law Mrs. Lottie Roberson, Mrs. Vera Newsome (Thomas)and Mrs. Patricia Webb (George); several nieces, nephews and family friends.