Michael J. Young

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Michael J. Young.  Michael transitioned at the age of 70, on March 13, 2024, surrounded and supported by his loving family during the last days of his life.

Michael was born in Abbeville, SC, but lived in Anderson, SC with his wife, Essie.  Michael was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He was a selfless man, until the very end.  He enjoyed traveling, driving, laughing, and spending time with his family.

He was a member of St. Mary Baptist Church, where he was on the Trustee Board.  He was also an active member of Due West Lodge #100 P.H.A. as Jr. Warden and a member of Due West Chapter #186 OSE as the Worthy Patron.

Michael joined the United States Marines and was sworn in at Fort Jackson, SC.  During his years in the Marines, he worked in law enforcement as a Military Police and Corrections Specialist. After receiving an Honorable discharge from the military, he later attended Piedmont Technical College, where he studied Criminal Justice.  He later became employed by Cargo Transporters.

Michael relocated to Milwaukee in 1998.  He described this move as "a new start" to life.  Later that year he welcomed his only daughter, Bailey.  Michael loved spending time at Lake Michigan and he even enjoyed the snow (eventually).  He would often take trips with his road dog "Bailey" to Michigan to visit his sister and back home in South Carolina.  While in Milwaukee, Michael worked for the largest Veteran's Administration Hospital for over 10 years.  In 2016, he retired and returned home to be surrounded by his family and friends.

He will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Essie Young of the home; his three children, Derrick Greene of Houston, TX, Michael L. Young of Greenwood, SC, and Bailey M.A. Young of Milwaukee, WI; two bonus children, Stacy S. Paul of Anderson, SC and Kelvin G. Paul of Atlanta, GA; one aunt of Due West, SC, Elaine Sanders; one uncle, Reagan (Gwen) Fair; one sister, JoAnn (Ray) Wright; three brothers, Walter Young, Stanley (Brenda) Young, and Richard (Cathy) Young; and many loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Young, Sr. and Geneva Young; brother, Robert Young, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Ozzie and Sallie Valentine; and paternal grandmother, Mozelle Young.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at St. Mary Baptist Church in Due West.  The interment with Military Honors will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is at the home, 320 Brookforest Drive, Anderson, SC 29621.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael J. Young, please visit our floral store.