Melvin Dillard "Mel" Young

1944 - 2024

Melvin Dillard Young, Jr passed quietly on February 11, 2024 in Charleston, SC, following a five year fight with lung cancer. Mel was born on May 2, 1944 in Charleston, WV to Mamie Sally (nee Petrey) Young and Melvin Dillard Young, Sr. and was also raised by his aunt, Mary Eva Petrey.

Mel was a graduate of Charleston High School. He later studied at the Citadel and Miami Dade College. Mel was also a proud veteran. He joined the military as a member of the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of an E5 Staff Sergeant and served around the world, with the longest stints in the Philippines and Turkey. After returning home to the United States, Mel took a job selling and servicing printing presses for AM Multigraphics. He worked with the company for many years before eventually starting his own printing business, Mel Young LLC, which he maintained until retiring to South Carolina.

Mel was well known around Charleston WV for his smile, laughter, and irreverent sense of humor. While reflecting on his accomplishments, Mel remarked, "Make sure to say, 'He successfully completed two marriages.'" To many, Mel was "the unofficial mayor of Charleston." He was an incredibly giving person, quick to hand out his chocolate Pizzelle cookies, homemade pepperoni rolls, and his custom "business cards." In addition to an unbridled sense of fun, Mel was an active member of the community in Charleston. He served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the planning committee for Girls Night Out, and regularly volunteered to feed the homeless each week.

Mel is survived by his son Chris Young and granddaughter Mattie Young of Charleston, SC; his sons Patrick Young of Charleston SC and Nicholas Young of Charlotte NC; his sister, Susie Johnson of Hurricane, WV and his cousin Jennifer Dilley of Beckley, WV. Additionally, he's survived and remembered by several close friends he considered family.

He lived a good life.

There will be a celebration of his life at the Red Carpet Lounge in Charleston, WV on June 1st from 1-3pm. All are welcome to pay their respects, and share in memories and laughter.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Gazette-Mail from May 4 to May 3, 2024.