Wade Young Jr.

Wade Young, Jr. Obituary “A man of great wisdom” “He shared so much knowledge with me” “He never met a stranger” “We had so many informative discussions, especially about the Bible” “I have so many memories of Wade, he could really make me laugh” “He was such a sweet and caring person” These were just a few of the many expressions of love, remembrance, and impact that Wade Young, Jr. had on so many during his 100 years of life. He was born on January 20, 1924 (a date he shared with his late wife, Ann) the eldest son of 13 children blessed to Wade W. Young, Sr., and Christina Grant Young, in Hardeeville, South Carolina. He entered the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, comfortably and peacefully. Though he did not have many years of formal education, Wade was blessed with God-given knowledge and wisdom that carried him through his often-challenging life journey. Early in that journey, he served his country in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. His tour of duty included the South Pacific Islands. He was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, APT Service Medal Philippine Liberation, Good Conduct Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. Returning home to South Carolina, Wade engaged his entrepreneurial spirit by opening a restaurant, Young’s Café, and a food truck service delivering fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables throughout Jasper County. After several short stays in Stamford, CT during the late 1940s, he finally made Stamford his permanent residence in the early 50s. He married Ann Dixon in 1955 and from their union God blessed them with 2 daughters and one son: Debora, Janice, and Wade III. His long work career included employment with Yale & Town, American Cyanamid, Stamford Advocate and the Stamford School system, the latter from which he retired in 1991. Additionally, his entrepreneurial bent found expression as a successful general handyman, landscaper, and gardener. Wade yielded his life to Christ in his youth and over the years, as a man of great faith, he developed a strong, intimate relationship with Him. He faithfully served in ministry at Bethel AME church as an usher for over 60 years. An avid Bible reader, Wade also loved the writings of Dr. Charles Stanley which were the basis of bible studies he often had with his daughter Janice. His was just one of the several missions-based ministries Wade supported. A longtime Mets baseball fan, he also enjoyed, in recent years, following football with his daughter, Debora. His love for shooting pool saw him spend many hours playing with “his buddies” at the Stamford Senior center until the Covid shutdown. Affectionately known to many of his friends and family as “Buster” or “Bubba”, he leaves to cherish his life and legacy, two daughters, Debora Young (Stamford) and Janice Young (Charlotte, NC); two sisters, Marie Davis (Stamford) and Bessie St. John (Linden, NJ); one grandson, Chancellor and daughter-in-law, Constance Young (Stroudsburg, PA) and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Ann, his son, Wade III, his parents, Wade and Christina Young, Sr., as well as seven sisters: Mary Neal, Eliza Young, Helen “Bea” Mitchell, Ruby Brown, Gladys Young, Alice Young and Jannie Young; three brothers: Roosevelt Young, James Young and Frank “Rufus” Young. In the words of the late Jackie Robinson, “a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives”, Wade has truly impacted many over his lifetime through his wisdom, character, integrity, and love, leaving a legacy for us to embrace and carry forward. Visitation will be held on Thursday March 14, 2024 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave., Stamford, CT, officiating Rev. Dr. Robert A. Jackson Jr. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Stamford, CT.

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Wade Young Jr.

January 20, 1924 - March 6, 2024