Funeral service for Mr. Joseph Douglas “Joe” Young, age 78, of Fayetteville, TN will be conducted at 1pm on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Jon Hathcock and Pastor Ron Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 11am until time of the service on Thursday.
Joe was born on July 15, 1942, to the late Thomas and Christine Harrell Young in Dothan, AL. He passed away on September 21, 2020 at St. Thomas West Hospital.
Joe graduated from Fayetteville Central High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in History from Middle Tennessee State University. While in college, Joe worked for the Geology Department with the State of Tennessee, and later, with the public relations magazine for Genesco. Joe taught at Stratford High School in Nashville upon receiving his Master’s degree. When he returned to Fayetteville, he became Educational Coordinator with the OEO over several counties. Joe returned to teaching at Eighth District School and proudly coached the girls’ basketball team to a county championship. In 1970, Joe built Fayetteville’s first FM radio station, WYTM, and later acquired WEKR-AM station, he has been the owner and general manager of both radio stations since then.
Joe always had a love of hunting and fishing, he combined this interest with television when he became one of the hosts of Alabama-Tennessee Outdoors, which was shown on a Huntsville television station. When The Nashville Network began, Joe continued this interest as director and producer of several sports shows on that network. He worked with many country music entertainers on Country Sportsman, Celebrity Outdoors, and Advantage Outdoors. When The Nashville Network was sold, Joe continued his sports directing with the Key West Marlin Tournament. Joe was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Higgins Young; daughter, Elizabeth Young Hill; granddaughters, Charlotte Hill and Meggie Hill; and son-in-law Ruse Tucker. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret Young Tucker; sister, Dorothy “Dot” Thompson; and brothers, Jim Esten Young and Thomas Andrew Young.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fayetteville First Baptist Church, 210 Elk Avenue North, Fayetteville, TN 37334 or Fayetteville-Lincoln County Library, 306 Elk Avenue North, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Joseph Douglas Young.
Sending sincere condolences to the Young family; Joe was a classmate and always a great guy to everyone. He always had a great story along with a generous spirit. He will be missed but remembered fondly.
Joe Young was an inspiration to us all .Such a Great person to know and a Friend. My husband Joe thought the world of him.Very professional person in his job and always that Big Smile .Prayers to all his Family. Big Joe Burns and Brenda Burns
To Wanda and Elizabeth: We are so saddened to know that Joe has left us. He was a presence in our daily lives with all of the advertisements and public announcements that he made on the radio. One could tell by his voice that he was excited about life and especially about the WYTM family of announcers and sponsors. Joe was passionate about his community, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. You have our deepest sympathy. We are so very sorry for your loss. We are holding you up in prayer.
Wanda & family,
Sending heartfelt condolences and love to you. I have such fond memories of high school & Peabody with you & Joe, Wanda. Susie Shewry Kutchi
Positive thoughts & prayers to family friends, & business associates of Joe. What an inspiration to many
WYTM radio former morning host in the ’70’s
Dan Davidson
Tribute to my former boss, the late, great Joe Young of WYTM Radio, Fayetteville, TN
by Dan Davidson
Former WYTM morning host
I miss this guy. He was one of my former radio bosses at WYTM, Fayetteville, TN. He hired me to be morning host when I was around say, 19 or 20. I thank him for hiring me. It seems like I may have worked, (played) there about 3-4 years, say, about ’74 -’78? He didn’t have to hire me, but he did. For that, I am appreciative.
Positive thoughts & prayers to the family, friends, business associates, & fellow outdoorsmen.. I remember when he hosted an outdoors hunting & fishing show in Huntsville television.
He would call frequently the radio station to check his messages when I was there. At times, he may have been filming one of his shows from the water or the woods. Oftentimes, he would call from Ray Judge’s gun shop in the Winchester, TN area. I remember the ’70 something gold International Scout he drove.
Later, after hosting the Huntsville, AL outdoor shows, he landed a gig at the former Nashville Network co-hosting another hunting & fishing show nationally. He teamed up with the late, great country music singer Bobby Lord in that broadcast. Several former well known country singers were featured & interviewed on those outdoor excursions.
Joe was a multi-tasker & he inspired me.
God bless you, man! Perhaps you may
hosting yet another outdoor show with others you once knew in the clouds? Joe loved life & really lived it! Many times, at lunch, he & staff members would pull out the grill & we had fun grilling out at work. That was the Joe I knew!
Joe was my first boss at WYTM in 1970. He helped instill self confidence in me. He was an inspiration to so many. I will miss his voice and Him.
Wanda and Elizabeth you are in our prayers.
Wanda and family, Jim and I are grieving with you and wishing we could be there to offer a bit of comfort today. Please know we are holding you all close in our hearts at this sad time. Much love to you all.
Dear Wanda,
Marie and I are so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. We will be praying for you during this sad time.
Love, Martha Wolf and Marie Van Lantschoot
Wanda, Elizabeth and all the family – Jerry and I are so sorry and send all our heartfelt love and sympathy to all of you. Sorry we could not make it down but hopefully when this virus is over. We love you and are keeping all of you in our prayers. May God hold you close. Joe and Margaret are now united and are at peace. Take care.❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mighty Joe was the Nicest Man. His Voice was as Big as his Smile. Fly High with the Angles Joe!!! We’ll Miss You!!! Praying for you and your family.
Wanda, we at the Key West Marlin Tournament will always remember the great times that we had with Joe and his television crew each year filming the tournament. He was truly a remarkable individual and wish you comfort in your loss.
Wanda and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all now and in the weeks ahead.
Wanda and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was an unforgettable character! I loved him dearly! Please know my heart and prayers are with you.
So sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. He was such an outstanding colleague. While we worked together at TNN, Joe provided hundreds of great shows. He was a friend of the biggest names in country music. Joe always had a warm smile and friendly outlook. Our deepest sympathy to Wanda and his family.
Ms Wanda many prayers for you and family Loved Joe He will greatly missed by our community may you feel the confront of Jesus in the coming days
Wanda, we are so very sorry for your loss! Joe was a great guy and will be missed. Praying for strength and comfort during these hard days ahead! Love to you and your family, Linda and Bob Ashby
Wanda I was so sorry to hear of Joe ‘s passing .I know what you are going through I just lost Phillip in April . God be with you and You and your Family . Mary Lee
So sorry Wanda , always loved to hear joe’s story, such a very interesting history his life was, he will be missed!
We were so sorry to read about Joe. We did have the pleasure of meeting him at least a couple of times as we were good friends with Margaret and Ruse. Been a very hard year for this family and our prayers go up for them.
Dear Young family, you have my sincerest condolences. Joe was my first boss, working every night on that big old hill at WYTM. I thought I was a rock star, singing along with the records. It was SUCH a fun high school job. I learned a lot from him, and I’m very sad to hear of his passing.
I will always kindly remember the spirited discussions I had with Joe in regard to various word pronunciations. He was a Kind and True Friend. He will be sorely missed. Ray & Judy Rozar
To the Young family,
My prayers to each of you at this time of loss of Mr. Joe. Thinking of you all!
Lenace Hyde
Wanda, Elizabeth, I am so sorry! I feel your pain. May our loving God walk with you for as long as you need.
Dearest Wanda,
I thank our Lord on every remembrance of Joe. He was alway fun to be around and made me laugh. He will always be “Mighty Joe Young” to me. Sorry, I cannot come to the visitation tomorrow. I know this is such a difficult time for all of you so soon after Margaret’s recent passing into the arms of Jesus. I was bless reading her face book page and look forward to meeting her when my time comes to step out of time and space. Dot and Tom are part of my shared memories of younger years in Fayetteville.
We were so blessed to have those years Memories of Joe are always memories of laughter, good times and kindness. We were much more blessed in those day than we may have realized when we were living them. I think about the dances, the swimming pool, the ball games, the Melody and much more. One memory stand out today about Joe. My cousin, Emily, came down from Detroit in the summers to spend a month or more with me. One year she was there at the time of our Gay Teen Dance. I asked Joe if he would go with her. We all had a good time. I don’t remember who I went with or what year it was BUT I remember Joe…Who Could Forget HIM!! (o: I’m sorry we missed our class reunion this year BUT I am thankful that we have a Greater Reunion that is bigger and grander than anything we can imagine. For years I have read a classic Devotional Book, “Daily Light” It is now on line. I pray today’s evening reading will bring comfort and encouragement to you, Wanda, and to each of you family or friend who grieve the loss of Joe’s physical presence with us. May each of us mourn with HOPE Day of Rejoicing Together in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Chirst
Blessings of His Abundance for Every Need.
EVENING – Sept 23rd
He that overcometh shall inherit all things. Rev. 21:7 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. I Cor. 15:19 Now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly one: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb. 11:16 An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. I Pet. 1:4 All things are yours; … the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours. I Cor. 3:21, 22 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. I Cor. 2:9, 10
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. II John 8 Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God Heb. 12:1-2
https://dailylightdevotional.org/
Ms. Young and family, we are so sorry to hear of Mr. Joe’s passing. Bennie always enjoyed talking on the radio before his stoke, he thought of Mr. Joe as his friend . May God comfort you now and the days to come.
Wanda and family, please accept my sincerest condolences. Joe was a great friend and I will cherish our time and memories together.
Mr. Joe was a great man. My very first boss for 5 years. He helped me develop a love of radio and he will be dearly missed.
So sorry! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love to all of you!
May sympathy and love go to Wanda and his family!!
Wanda, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family comfort.
Joe was a remarkable human being. I feel honored to have known him. I came to know him and his family when I worked for WYTM in high school and later watching him interact, with humor and great wit, with my father. His goodness and contributions to this community and beyond will never be forgotten. My prayers join with everyone that knew him that Wanda and his family will find some comfort and strength in knowing how much he was loved.
wanda and family so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and family
cindy . jo`ann and steve whorley
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Joe since I started working at WERK radio in 1974. Our paths have continually crossed for 46 years. He visited my mother a few months before she died. She shared some of her fossils with him in his latest hobby. She loved his visit. I have enjoyed our 46 year friendship. I will miss Joe. He was a true character.
Ms Wanda,
It is with great sadness and personal loss that I write to you.
Joe was a very good friend, whom I enjoyed very much. We couldn’t go 15 seconds without making each other laugh and would spend the balance of our time talking history, flying and travel. He was not only a good friend, but a valuable advisor to Gwen and I.
Joe’s passing will be felt by everyone. Especially within range of WYTM.
A life well lived, an a great asset to our community.
Please know I will miss him daily and it pains me to have to say I am presently in Incheon, South Korea and will be landing my aircraft in Atlanta only after the funeral.
I hate I will not be able to pay my proper respects to you Thursday.
If Gwen and I can be of any service to you ? Please don’t hesitate ask. We loved him like a big brother!
A very sad irony, our last conversation was expressing sincere sympathies for your daughter. Life is short, however very, very special and your family has touched many.
Affectionately and very respectfully
Scott Shelton
Wanda and Family, we are so, so sorry for your loss. We will miss him on the radio, at church, and at Marvin’s. May God hold each of you close as you grieve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wanda & family, I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Joe’s passing. My prayers are with you. May you feel Gods loving arms hold you during this time of sadness. May he give you strength.
Wanda, Elizabeth & loved ones,
David & I extend our deepest condolences. Our hearts go out to you & you are in our prayers.
Wanda and family I am so sorry for your loss. Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers for all of you.
Wanda and family, I am sorry that Joe is no longer with you in your earthly home. I know he will be missed by so many who loved and appreciated him. Cherish the memories.
So very sorry and so shocked to hear of Joe’s passing. He will be missed for sure by those of us who work at WTM. If I can be of help to you at any time, just ask. God Bless you and yours
Wanda and family,
Im so sorry to hear this news. I was always thankful to be able to work on music mountain. If I can help in any way please let me know. Prayers going out to the family.
There will never be another “Joe-Boy” Douglas. The memories are flooding through my mind. God bless all of you.
The news of Joe’s passing has stunned our community. He was such an integral part of Fayetteville and Lincoln County, and will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to Wanda and Elizabeth.
Praying for your family.
Bob & Cindy Dunivan
I am so sorry for your loss Miss Wanda. In the short time we have known you we came to think of you and Mr. Joe as family. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we will do anything we can to help you.
Wanda, Kim and I were saddened to hear of the loss of Joe. You and Elizabeth are in our thoughts and prayers. So thankful we have some special memories to cherish, especially Kim’s time with him.
This is a big loss for the Fayetteville community! Prayers and hugs to you, Wanda, and all of the family. Joe got me into the radio show about 12 years ago, and I am so thankful for that! Now we are a radio family with me, Sherie, and Lauralee!
Blessings on the Young family. They’ve dealt with so much grief this year.
Mr. Joe was an incredible member of the community. He will be greatly missed.
Sending love to Miss Wanda and Elizabeth.
what a guy!!!!! he was one of the best outdoor tv producers we had at the Nashville Network we had a lot of fun together, he was always was fun and exciting.
Wanda, both Peggy and I offer our sincere condolences for your loss. God Bless and keep you and your family…
Prayers for you all.
I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Wanda and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe was a special person. He will be sorely missed by all. May God lend you comfort and peace.
Wanda, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Meggie and Ruse, We are so sorry for your great loss of husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law. Joe did so much for our town and our community. He will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers for you at this time and in the days ahead. Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams
Sorry for your loss. Wanda, prayers for you and the family.
Wanda, so sorry for your loss. You & your family will be in our prayers
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Wanda and ELizabeth, you are in my thoughts during this terribly difficult time. May God bless you all!