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.
60 Comments To "Joseph Douglas Young"
#1 Comment By Wanda Jennings Preston On September 22, 2020 @ 2:09 pm
Wanda and ELizabeth, you are in my thoughts during this terribly difficult time. May God bless you all!
#2 Comment By Wanda Shelton On September 22, 2020 @ 2:28 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss.
#3 Comment By Patsy Rogers On September 22, 2020 @ 2:30 pm
Wanda, so sorry for your loss. You & your family will be in our prayers
#4 Comment By Jimmy and Janice Towry On September 22, 2020 @ 2:59 pm
Sorry for your loss. Wanda, prayers for you and the family.
#5 Comment By Wanda and Bob Williams On September 22, 2020 @ 3:07 pm
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
#6 Comment By Jimmy and Diane Buchanan On September 22, 2020 @ 3:15 pm
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.
#7 Comment By Veronica King On September 22, 2020 @ 3:20 pm
I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
#8 Comment By Gary & Brenda Badenhop On September 22, 2020 @ 3:33 pm
Prayers for you all.
#9 Comment By Lynn & Peggy Stubblefield On September 22, 2020 @ 3:33 pm
Wanda, both Peggy and I offer our sincere condolences for your loss. God Bless and keep you and your family…
#10 Comment By Dave Barton On September 22, 2020 @ 3:42 pm
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.
#11 Comment By Doug Alder On September 22, 2020 @ 3:50 pm
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.
#12 Comment By Heath Jacks On September 22, 2020 @ 4:09 pm
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!
#13 Comment By Peggy L Foster On September 22, 2020 @ 5:07 pm
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.
#14 Comment By Tim & Shelley Brooks On September 22, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
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.
#15 Comment By Cynthia Dunivan On September 22, 2020 @ 5:45 pm
Praying for your family.
Bob & Cindy Dunivan
#16 Comment By Karen Gilliam On September 22, 2020 @ 6:11 pm
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.
#17 Comment By Richard (Stick) Stephenson On September 22, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
There will never be another “Joe-Boy” Douglas. The memories are flooding through my mind. God bless all of you.
#18 Comment By Jerry Raby On September 22, 2020 @ 6:32 pm
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.
#19 Comment By Mary A Tackett On September 22, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
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
#20 Comment By Judy Moyers On September 22, 2020 @ 6:53 pm
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.
#21 Comment By Hazel Hyde On September 22, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
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.
#22 Comment By Betty Zimmerle Smith On September 22, 2020 @ 7:14 pm
Wanda, Elizabeth & loved ones,
David & I extend our deepest condolences. Our hearts go out to you & you are in our prayers.
#23 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On September 22, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
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.
#24 Comment By Jerry & Linda Mullins On September 22, 2020 @ 8:34 pm
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.
#25 Comment By SCOTT SHELTON On September 22, 2020 @ 8:42 pm
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
#26 Comment By Jeannie Gallant On September 22, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
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.
#27 Comment By cindy > jo-ann > steve whorley On September 22, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
wanda and family so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and family
cindy . jo`ann and steve whorley
#28 Comment By Martin Sir On September 22, 2020 @ 9:30 pm
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.
#29 Comment By Wayne Horton On September 23, 2020 @ 7:22 am
Wanda, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family comfort.
#30 Comment By Becky Bills On September 23, 2020 @ 8:41 am
May sympathy and love go to Wanda and his family!!
#31 Comment By Cindy Harwell On September 23, 2020 @ 8:58 am
So sorry! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love to all of you!
#32 Comment By Michaela Fulkerson Brown On September 23, 2020 @ 9:35 am
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.
#33 Comment By Don Reed On September 23, 2020 @ 11:06 am
Wanda and family, please accept my sincerest condolences. Joe was a great friend and I will cherish our time and memories together.
#34 Comment By Bennie & Priscilla Brewer On September 23, 2020 @ 11:58 am
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.
#35 Comment By Anne Johnson Long On September 23, 2020 @ 12:29 pm
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/
#36 Comment By Patsy Crawford On September 23, 2020 @ 1:37 pm
Wanda, Elizabeth, I am so sorry! I feel your pain. May our loving God walk with you for as long as you need.
#37 Comment By Lenace Hyde On September 23, 2020 @ 3:32 pm
To the Young family,
My prayers to each of you at this time of loss of Mr. Joe. Thinking of you all!
Lenace Hyde
#38 Comment By Thomas Rozar On September 23, 2020 @ 4:57 pm
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
#39 Comment By Rusty Horn On September 23, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
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.
#40 Comment By Mike and Joy Stephens On September 23, 2020 @ 6:21 pm
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.
#41 Comment By Lynn Brown On September 23, 2020 @ 7:11 pm
So sorry Wanda , always loved to hear joe’s story, such a very interesting history his life was, he will be missed!
#42 Comment By Mary Lee Pitts On September 23, 2020 @ 7:41 pm
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
#43 Comment By Linda Ashby On September 23, 2020 @ 7:44 pm
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
#44 Comment By Billy and Regina Locker On September 23, 2020 @ 7:57 pm
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
#45 Comment By Paul & Marlyce Corbin On September 23, 2020 @ 7:59 pm
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.
#46 Comment By Linda F. Williams On September 23, 2020 @ 8:23 pm
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.
#47 Comment By Peggy Cobb On September 23, 2020 @ 9:21 pm
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.
#48 Comment By Tim Greene On September 23, 2020 @ 9:22 pm
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.
#49 Comment By Carrie VerPlank On September 24, 2020 @ 8:51 am
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.
#50 Comment By Jane and Jerry Kirk On September 24, 2020 @ 11:06 am
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.❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
#51 Comment By Martha Wolf On September 24, 2020 @ 12:01 pm
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
#52 Comment By Nancy & Jim Price On September 24, 2020 @ 12:36 pm
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.
#53 Comment By Linda Coursey On September 24, 2020 @ 4:45 pm
Wanda and Elizabeth you are in our prayers.
#54 Comment By Beth Hatcher Davis On September 24, 2020 @ 8:00 pm
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.
#55 Comment By Dan Davidson On September 25, 2020 @ 5:33 pm
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!
#56 Comment By Dan Davidson On September 25, 2020 @ 5:38 pm
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
#57 Comment By Susan Kutchi On September 26, 2020 @ 5:56 pm
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
#58 Comment By Con and Arden Humphrey On September 28, 2020 @ 12:05 am
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.
#59 Comment By Brenda Burns On September 28, 2020 @ 5:48 am
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
#60 Comment By Kay Gilliam Colgan On September 29, 2020 @ 11:18 am
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.