Willie James Young

Willie, the first of five children, was born to the late Tim Davis and Laurene Davis on February 23, 1934 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

He met and married Sarah Wright on February 16, 1953. To this union three children were born – Betty, Sanford and Calvin.

Mr. Young received his formal education from the public schools in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He worked for Campbell Tire Service for 23 years. He joined the Matthews Police Department, making him the first individual of color in the history of the Matthews Police Department. After leaving the Police Department, Mr. Young along with his wife, Sarah started a greenhouse and florist business. He remained there until his untimely death.

Mr. Young joined Mount Moriah Baptist Church where he served faithfully for many years. He served as President of the Usher Board for thirty nine years and was a member of the Usher’s Choir. He was an activist for concerns and issues affecting the Crestdale Community.

Mr. Young was preceded in death by his stepfather, Tim Davis and his mother, Laurene Davis. He leaves the following to cherish his memories: wife Sarah Young; children Betty Mayes (Pastor Mayes) of Mint Hill, North Carolina, Sanford Young of Peachland, North Carolina, Calvin Young (Ana) of Matthews, North Carolina, Alvin Bethea (Virginia) of Charlotte, North Carolina and one stepson James Wright of Tennessee; four sisters Anne Davis, Reana Foster, Janie Davis all of Charlotte, North Carolina and Linda Bandy of Washington, DC; eighteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation is scheduled for 11am on Monday, January 30, 2023 at McEwen Funeral Service located at 5716 Monroe Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Funeral service will begin at 12 noon with burial immediately following at Sharon Memorial Park.