Joseph Wallace Young, Sr., 85, of Mechanicsville MD, departed his life on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Wallace was born on July 17, 1938 in Helen Maryland. He was the son of the late James H. Miles and the late Mary T. Young. He was raised by his mother, Mary Young, and his stepfather, William E. Young Sr. Wallace was affectionately known as Gator; a name given to him by his Aunt Rosetta Young.

Wallace received his education at St. Joseph Colored School in Morganza, Maryland. Wallace spent most of his life working on the farm with his cousin, George Young, who was like a brother to him. After graduation, Wallace went to work for St. Mary's County Public Schools. He was a custodian at Margaret Brent Middle School. Wallace later went to work at Scheibel's Construction Company where he was affectionately loved. Wallace had an exceptional work ethic, no matter what the job. Wallace retired at 65.

On December 20, 1959, Wallace married the love of his life, Agnes M. Hill. From their union they had ten children. They honored God when he said "Be Fruitful and Multiply". They were more than husband and wife, they were each other's best friends and dance partners. Though Wallace was weak and found it hard to breathe, he asked Agnes if she knew him? She replied "Of course I know you! We've been married for 65 years", with a soft whisper, Wallace replied "And It's been a good 65 years."

Wallace was a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved life and family, and wasn't ashamed to show it. He looked forward to family gatherings with a houseful of children and grandchildren. Wallace enjoyed playing horseshoes, pitch, card games, fishing, talking trash, dancing, and drinking his V.O. Wallace was also a member of the Bee Bobbers Band, where he played the guitar. It was said he plucked a mean guitar and even appeared with the band on American Bandstand. Wallace was a celebrity. Wallace was also a longtime member of The Horseshoe Social Club.

Wallace is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Young, and James H. Miles Sr. His daughters, Mary and Faye Young, sisters, Mary T. Courtney, Delores Young and Mary Miles, brothers James Miles Jr., and John E. Miles, aunts Rosetta Young, Lucille Young, and Louise Holt, grandmother and grandfather Cecilia and James Reed, one uncle George A. Young, one sister-in-law, Bernice Young and two brothers-in-law James P. Courtney II and Walter Mitchell.

In addition to his beloved wife Agnes, Wallace is survived by his daughters, Agnes L. Young (Joe Dorsey), Veronica A. Mills (Desales Mills), Jacqueline J. Duodu (George), and Renae Young, 14 grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren, his sons Joseph Wallace Young Jr., David Young (Barbara Young), John P .Young (Melissa), and Jamie Young, his sisters, Patricia Philips (Pete), Maxine Stewart (Donald), Diane Mitchell, Charlene Herbert (Paul), Janice Broome (Joseph), Barbara Golf and Donna Owens, and his brothers Robert Young and William Young Jr. (Darlene Young), his sisters-in-law Cecelia Hill, Elsie Hill, Ann Hill, and Ruth Hill, and his brother-in-law Joseph Hill.

Wallace also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He may be gone, but never forgotten.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Drew Royals officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be John P. Young, Larvell Herbert, James Chase Jr., Robert Young, George Duodu, and Jonathan Miles. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Chase, Darnell Miles, Kelly Holt, and Thomas Scriber.

The Young Family wishes to thank Father Drew, Hospice, and each of you for the many acts of kindness shown during our time of bereavement. We thank you for all the many acts of love. The many calls, cards, flowers, visits, and prayers.

A special thank you to Wallace's amazing caregiver, Mary Baker. Words can't truly express our love and gratitude for the many months of care and support you provided for our loved one. Your kindness and attention and becoming his dear friend means the world to us and we're truly grateful.