Joseph Dennis Young, COL, U.S. Army, Retired

November 16, 1955 ~ August 23, 2022
Colonel Joseph Dennis Young, U.S. Army, Retired transitioned to his heavenly home on August 23, 2022. Joseph was born on November 16, 1955 in Biloxi, Mississippi to Ethel Young and Louis Washington (deceased). At a young age, Joseph developed a love for the Lord and accepted Christ at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Biloxi, MS. Psalm 23 was the scripture passage he held close to his heart.
Joseph graduated from Biloxi High School in 1973 and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) with a degree in Psychology in 1978. While at USM, Joseph pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. He earned a Master’s degree from Boston University in Human Services Management and earned a second Master’s degree from the National War College. At USM, he met the love of his life, Anita Johnson. They were joined in holy matrimony in December 1978. From this union, two children were born, April and Amber. Joseph instilled in his children to put God first, how to persevere, and the importance of generosity. As a military family, he embodied the tradition of “home is where the heart is” and encouraged his children to blossom where planted.
His professional career as a U.S. Army officer began May 1978. He served 27 years and was promoted to the rank of Colonel and commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels. During his time of military service, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
After retirement, he became an IT company owner. Most importantly, he earned his proudest rank of “Pops” as a grandfather. The bond he built with his grandchildren was inseparable and irreplaceable.
Joseph’s favorite and final church was First Baptist Church of Vienna where he served on the Trustee Board and actively engaged in the Feed the Homeless Ministry with his wife, Anita. He had a servant's heart, giving spirit, and commitment to giving back to the community, especially in Biloxi, Mississippi through scholarships, civic organizations and local churches. He enjoyed playing golf, completing crossword puzzles, and board games.
Joseph leaves cherished memories with Anita, April (James Jr.), Amber, and three beautiful grandchildren (Caleb, Alexander, and Adrienne). He also leaves to remember his love and kindness, his mother (Ethel) and siblings, (Joel, Yvonne, Louis, Kirk, Maggie, Christy and Mary). His father (Louis) and four siblings (Marilyn, Inez, Debra, and Brenda) preceded him in death. His father-in-law (Lloyd) loved him as a son and his wife's sister (Adrienne) adored him as a brother. He will be greatly missed by a host of family members, fraternity brothers, and friends.
Joseph, rest in heavenly peace until we meet again.
Relatives and friends are invited to Joseph's Life Celebration at First Baptist Church of Vienna, 450 Orchard St NW, Vienna, VA 22180 on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. For those unbale to attend in person the service will be livestreamed via the link below.
In lieu of floral arrangements, the family prefers a donation to the First Baptist Church of Vienna's Feed the Homeless Ministry. To do so, add a message to the online donation form specifying 'Feed the Homeless Ministry in honor of Joe Young': To Donate Please Click Here
To View Service Please Click Here
Joseph graduated from Biloxi High School in 1973 and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) with a degree in Psychology in 1978. While at USM, Joseph pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. He earned a Master’s degree from Boston University in Human Services Management and earned a second Master’s degree from the National War College. At USM, he met the love of his life, Anita Johnson. They were joined in holy matrimony in December 1978. From this union, two children were born, April and Amber. Joseph instilled in his children to put God first, how to persevere, and the importance of generosity. As a military family, he embodied the tradition of “home is where the heart is” and encouraged his children to blossom where planted.
His professional career as a U.S. Army officer began May 1978. He served 27 years and was promoted to the rank of Colonel and commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels. During his time of military service, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
After retirement, he became an IT company owner. Most importantly, he earned his proudest rank of “Pops” as a grandfather. The bond he built with his grandchildren was inseparable and irreplaceable.
Joseph’s favorite and final church was First Baptist Church of Vienna where he served on the Trustee Board and actively engaged in the Feed the Homeless Ministry with his wife, Anita. He had a servant's heart, giving spirit, and commitment to giving back to the community, especially in Biloxi, Mississippi through scholarships, civic organizations and local churches. He enjoyed playing golf, completing crossword puzzles, and board games.
Joseph leaves cherished memories with Anita, April (James Jr.), Amber, and three beautiful grandchildren (Caleb, Alexander, and Adrienne). He also leaves to remember his love and kindness, his mother (Ethel) and siblings, (Joel, Yvonne, Louis, Kirk, Maggie, Christy and Mary). His father (Louis) and four siblings (Marilyn, Inez, Debra, and Brenda) preceded him in death. His father-in-law (Lloyd) loved him as a son and his wife's sister (Adrienne) adored him as a brother. He will be greatly missed by a host of family members, fraternity brothers, and friends.
Joseph, rest in heavenly peace until we meet again.
Relatives and friends are invited to Joseph's Life Celebration at First Baptist Church of Vienna, 450 Orchard St NW, Vienna, VA 22180 on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. For those unbale to attend in person the service will be livestreamed via the link below.
In lieu of floral arrangements, the family prefers a donation to the First Baptist Church of Vienna's Feed the Homeless Ministry. To do so, add a message to the online donation form specifying 'Feed the Homeless Ministry in honor of Joe Young': To Donate Please Click Here
To View Service Please Click Here
Joe, there are so many memories that will never be forgotten, just like you my Friend. Will never be forgotten. Love, Lynette.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Family, I sending my condolences , prayers and Love. Just thinking about a couple of funny stories about your love one. I remember telling the recruiter at the MEPS station, I cannot sign any paper until I talked to my cousin. They said who is he, I told him my cousin, who you think. ( sticking out my chest). I saw you as the giant big brother that I never had. I remember call your office asking for Joseph, the receptionist, said oh you want to speak to Mr. Young. I said yes, I am sorry, you are right. Another one of those times, when I am walking around with my chest out. That’s my cousin. Up or down, I was always proud of you. I was speechless when I heard the new, but I know that the Lord do not make mistakes. Go on cousin/big brother Joseph and take your rest, as God has added you to his garden. The family will be in good hands. We maybe miles apart, but we are close at heart. I love and will miss you dearly.
Rest In Peace Godfather!! I will surely miss you.?
A candle was lit for the decedent.
To my good friend Joe our memories will always be cherished. The little man with the big heart. Jerry Williams
Thank God for the life of Col. Joseph Young! What a mighty soldier of the Lord in service of others and country. Lord, continue to bless and keep his lovely wife, Anita, daughters, Amber and April and entire family.?????? Sabrina Mays-Diagne
Praying for comfort for the family! Joe was a jewel that God blessed us with. High School was fun n of course the Class of 1973 was the best! Rest peacefully Joe. U will be missed! Glenda Morgan
My deepest sympathy is with the family of Joe Young. Joe was such a sweet person; he was everyone’s friend in our graduating class of 73. Joe will be truly missed by so many people. May God give his family the strength they need to handle this most difficult time. Class of 73 Marilyn Ramsey Sharp
Wonderful Husband, Father and grandfather. I saw you love of family, you will always be in our hearts. Jacqueline Rosier . .
My earliest memory of Joe was in the third grade. We grew up in a time without worry and we were carefree. We did not have financial wealth but we were rich in family, friends, neighbors and community. Of course after high school went our different ways for higher education, military, ma rriage, family etc. When I returned to the south our classmates were all turning sixty and some were retiring. We had a class reunion and Joe was there. I introduced him to my husband whose name happen to be Joe also and it was like old times. Joseph D. Young was loved by many and will be missed by many. His family will continue to be in my prayers. Rest well my friend…❤? Kathy Weathersby-Nobles
Anita & family, we just heard about your great loss of a dear husband father & frat brother., Joe! Please accept our sincere condolences & prayers. We will fondly remember our times together in Martinez, Georgia while stationed at Ft. Gordon. Know God is in control & Joe is safe with Him. Samaritan & James Simmons
Q: What was Joseph like as a child?
A: There was strength in numbers as we roller skated and played
childhood games, he was a good kid and became a great man.
May God keep your family during this time of sorrow.
Sincere Condolences Ms. Deborah Williams
RIP, classmate
Anita, you and family have my deepest sympathy ??????
Debora Magee
My Brother you touched many lives and had a tremendous impact on them all and I’m one of them. I will be forever grateful and thankful that we had a brotherhood!!!! Blue Phi n One Love ❤️
He was a good friend and a great person to grow up with what a lost to the class 73. May God bless Anita and the whole family. Frederick Williams
My deepest condolences to Anita . Joseph’s Mother and siblings. Joe was a very dear and special childhood friend. He will always be remembered in my heart and thoughts.
Sincerely,
With Love
Marilyn (Weathersby) Correia
RIP Joe.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Anita ,even though many miles and years have passed since we last spoke, I will always value our beautiful friendship we shared.It is just per chance I saw this obituary.Know that I am sending you my deepest condolences.May you remember the fun times you and Joe shared together! You both will always hold a special place in my heart.God bless you and your family at this difficult time.Love,Laurie