Joncie Young

Joncie Young, a lifelong resident of Texarkana, Texas was born on June 27, 1920 to Joncie Young, Sr. and Elizabeth Young.  He attended Texarkana schools and graduated from Texas High School and Texarkana College, receiving a diploma in accounting. 

In 1940 he joined the Army, serving as Chief Clerk under General Paul R. Hawley, Chief of Surgery in the European Theater of Operations, in England and France during World War II.  As a Master Sergeant, he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service during the Blitzkrieg in England and his involvement in medical support during D-day operations.

While overseas, Joncie sent his pay home to his mother to help in the purchase of City Furniture on Broad Street in Texarkana.  Upon returning to Texarkana in 1945, he joined his mother in the furniture business.  Their store later changed its name to Young’s Furniture and moved to Third Street.  In 1972, Young’s Furniture relocated to the corner of Summerhill Road and Robison Road.  He retired in 1985.

In 1946 he married Marilyn Lavender, the love of his life for 70 years.  Together they served many years at Highland Park Baptist Church.  Joncie’s many leadership positions included Sunday School teacher for 40 years, choir member, deacon and Sunday School director.  He also sang in several quartets, while Marilyn played the piano and organ for decades at the church.  Later they were active in senior activities at First Baptist Church Texarkana where “Papaw” was head spaghetti and meatball cook for his Sunday School class.

He is survived by wife, Marilyn, daughter Brenda Lineberger of Spring Hill, Tennessee, sons Joncie Young, Jr. and wife Betsy of Longview, Texas, Gary Young and Jay Scarborough of Dallas, Texas, and brother Paul and wife Freddie of Virginia.  Grandchildren Becky Groves and husband Shaun, Amy Seay and husband Brian, Kathy Lineberger, Jason Young and wife Katy, Lauren Thompson and husband Michael and Mitchell Young and wife Heidi.  He was blessed with eighteen adoring great grandchildren.

Joncie loved God, family and friends.  He saw only the positives and life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation with the family is Monday, August 22 at 1:00 pm at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas.  A celebration of Joncie’s life will follow at 2:00 pm.