Herbert Young

Obituary For Herbert Young

Our beloved, Herbert Young, transitioned from this life, on the morning of January 2, 2023. He was born on November 13, 1936 in Montgomery, AL to the late Mr. Patterson Young and Ms. Thelma Davis Young. Herbert dedicated his life to Christ at a young age, at Morning Pilgrim Baptist Church where his grandfather, Rev H.H. Davis, served as pastor. Herbert later joined the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church where he served as a faithful member, Deacon and Trustee.

Mr. Young was a trailblazer, a masterful entrepreneur, and a successful businessman. He attended Carver High School and was a part of the graduating class of 1954. Soon after, he began working as a bus driver for the Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS). Herbert had a knack for driving and achieved many firsts in his industry.

Within a year of working, he became one of the first African-Americans to integrate the transportation system by being chosen to train all incoming bus drivers, regardless of race. He dedicated his free time and made history when he drove the “Freedom Riders” through ungovernable crowds of protesters to test the validity of the Boynton vs. Virginia court case, during the bus boycott in the 1960s.

After his tenure with the Montgomery Area Transit System, he attended the Police Academy at Northwestern University. Upon graduation, he joined the Montgomery Police Department and served 5 years. Herbert was destined to make a name for himself. After working with the police department for only 5 short years, he was appointed as the first African-American Deputy Marshall. His wanting to serve his community did not stop there. He was one of the first African Americans to successfully open, own, and operate multiple businesses, including a beauty salon, car lot, car wash, bus transportation service, and his long-standing limousine service. Young’s Limousine remained open for more than 30 years.

Herbert’s compassion for his community and friendly demeanor created many partnerships throughout his lifetime. Amongst those partnerships, one of the most important was with Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, which he worked from the age of 13 until his passing. Throughout his life, Herbert continued to break barriers.

Most importantly, Herbert is remembered as a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Herbert is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev H.H. Davis, Mrs. Corine Davis, Mr. Patterson Young and Mrs. Maggie Young; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson and Thelma Young; his sisters, Mrs. Patsy Payne and Mrs. Patricia Baylor; and his brothers, Mr. Frank Young and Mr. Clifford Young.

He leaves to cherish his success and memories to one loving sister, Mrs. Corine Graham; six children, Valerie (Amos) Brown, Herbrena Young, Sharon Bowman-Gunn, Herbert Young Jr., Sakeisha “Kiki”Young, and Brittany “Ms. Britt” Young; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Mary) Long, Rodrico Long, Keon (Shaneka) Brown, LaKwonda Young, LaShonda (Richard) Hill, DeMario Brown, Corey Brown, Kayla Young, Trevion Allen, Romeir Young, and Kaliyah Opoku; six great-grandchildren; and a host of devoted and caring nieces and nephews.

A family hour will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 6-7 p.m. in the chapel of Ross-Clayton Funeral Home. FACE MASK REQUIRED. Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube. Click on the link that says click here to VIEW the service. Burial will follow in Brassell Cemetery.

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