Willie Washington Young

Willie Young prg pic (1)

Willie Washington Young peacefully departed this life on May 31, 2023, at 4:00 am. He was born February 3, 1965 in Columbus, Ohio to Linda Young and Joe Mitchell.

As a youth Willie was a member of Union Grove Choir. Willie was a graduate of East High School. He was an athlete and was on the wrestling and football teams (no #77). He was often known as the Class Clown and Prom King of 1983.

He received a full scholarship to Illinois Valley Community College prior to attending Toledo University where he continued playing football as #77. Willie went on to further his education. He was a student at Columbus State Community College and gained his associate degree in Chemical Dependency. While attending school he also played Semi–Pro Football for The Columbus Fire then transitioned to coach The Columbus Battle Stars.

He was employed at Eden Counseling Center where he worked as a counselor in Recovery Housing. Willie did not stop learning. He continued his education at Christian Academy and received his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Dependency while receiving a CDCA.

Willie was full of humor and kindness. He would always lend a helping hand when needed. Many of you know him as Big Will. His enjoyments in life were family, friends and helping others.

Willie was preceded in death by his mother; Linda Young, father; Joe Mitchell, grandparents; Nathaniel and Nan Winston, sisters; Kim Young, Renee Cobb, brother-in-law; Terry Lewis, great aunts and uncles; Simmons and Bernice Mattox, Taylor and Audrey Mattox, Aunt Ethyl Mattox, Uncle Thomas Mattox, Aunt Myrtle Mattox, Aunt Judy Little and Colene Young, Uncle Clarence and Uncle Nathaniel Winston, nephew; Samuel Winston.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory, brothers; Keith Winston, Kali Young, sisters; Joanne Lewis, Linise (Kimberly Cummings) Turner, Njoki Young, Fonta Young, God brother; Martai Page, children; Marcus Justi, Alicia Taylor, Tiara Moody, Wil Taylor and D’Mitri Young, grandchildren; Sir Alexander Taylor, Nola Taylor, Layla Franklin, Dawan Franklin Jr., Kayla Franklin and Anthony Evans aka (Doo-Doo), special and long time friend; Brenda Justi, special friends; Angla Moody and Carmen Goodwin.

Visitation 3:00 PM and Funeral Service 4:00 PM Sunday, June 11, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).

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Condolence Messages

  1. Charles Crawford jr.

    My deepest condolences to you and your family in this
    your sorrowful hour. My the lord God comfort and keep you as you move thru this grieving process. Know that I love you, and am praying for your peace of mind and spirit.

  2. William Cathey

    Too Willie God is watching them playing football loving defensive end too Willie family thank you for having a wonderful guy

  3. Cassandra L. Mattox

    You were such a humble, loving and funny person. I don’t think you’ll ever know how much my heart aches for you. I am really going to miss you cousin. I love you to the moon and back. Praying for “All” of his family. God Bless.

  4. Sorry for your loss sending prayers to you and your family. Willie was a nice kind generous man funny always kept me laughing on your bad days and all your good days he was a very good friend. Everyone Loved Him and he will be missed. Willie is gone but he never forgotten.

  5. “Willay”, hold it right there! Never will forget you brother!
    D.McGee

  6. Love you always and forever Uncle Will
    From Your niece Tarajee Aka Flip

  7. Annette Blackmon

    My condolences to the family of Willie Washington Young, sending prayers for peace, comfort, and love..Me and Willie went to school together at Champion Jr. High and we sang in the Union Grove Baptist Youth Choir, he was a funny dude and he kept you laughing, Willie will be missed may you Rest In Peace..

  8. Delmar L. McGee

    Was a presence of personality in Zone Five, Union Grove, and all of the Near Eastside! Let’s share fun memories of one of ours: Willie Washington Young! Willie Washington, who knew???

  9. I met bro willy at the Bell Center and thought that this brotha dont pull no punches. we stayed in contact after i left he still was the same way he was the most bruttaly honest that i’ve ever met and i will truley miss you bro Willy fly high my brotha

  10. Sirgregory GP6 Powell

    Z 1oh Will, I love you. Thank you for everything you’ve done, shared, taught me. The keep it talks we had, made me a better man. Rest EZ boss.

  11. Bro I am so gonna miss that great smile of yours, the wisdom you shared from years of experience of being out in this world. I love you Big Brother.. hug the family I kno they were waiting.

  12. Raphael "idi amin"Turner

    My thoughts and prayers are with you “Crusher”enjoyed your friendship.

  13. Cynthia Francis

    Willie. You know how much I loved you and your family. You were my relative as much as my son Parris’ Rest in peace.

  14. Love You Big Cousin, You Truly Will Be Missed

  15. Clayton Taylor Dialysis

    We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Willie will truly be missed by his dialysis family.

    Clayton Taylor Dialysis.

  16. Michael & Wanda Neal

    To our close friend and brother Willie, Big Will, #77 are hearts are saddened. Will miss the fun times we had at work. You brought much joy to everyone in your presence. Such a humble giving man. You will never be forgotten. See you on the other side!

  17. Michael Spikes

    My brother truly ben a blessn known u are talks are walks and jus being a big brother to me gon miss u till we see each other lov ya rest easy

  18. We are so sorry to hear of your passing. Rest easy, Willie.

    Carlton “New York” and Maria Travis

  19. Sending condolences to the family of Willie Young, may you all find peace and comfort. Thinking back, I can only smile when I reminisce about our days singing in Union Grove Youth Choir. Although we were singing gospel, somehow during Saturday afternoon rehearsals, you’d spark up the tenor section in giving Rev. Watkins, our Choir Director the Blues. Something was always funny in that row, lol. But those Sunday’s as we sang our hearts out, you would be one of the first, if not Kim, to get the clappin’ & swaying side to side going! The Holy Spirit was present. Those memories will always be cherished. Rest easy Willie Young

  20. Charlamagne Cody

    Massive Condolences to the family at this time of loss…We’re going to miss you BigWill…You touched many lives while you were here my friend…Respect & Love at all times.

  21. Sincere condoolence sent to the family of Willie Young! Rest Easy Baby!

  22. My condolences to The Mayor of Long St.

  23. Kimberly M cummings

    I have found memories of you. I will truly miss you Big Will.

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