Randall Craig Young

Randall Craig Young died peacefully in his sleep on October 24, 2020 in his Austin apartment at the age of 62. He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Moragne; his stepfather, Bob Burton; stepmothers, Ann Burton and Carolyn Young; his children, Cameron and Hannah Young, and his stepdaughter Miranda Williams; his siblings, Carajean Archer and Matthew Rider; step sister, Leah Vandergriff; brother-in-law, Branch Archer; sister-in-law, Amy Rider; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews including Audrey Bohorquez, Ashlyn Archer, Tanner Archer, Travis and Kelly Rider; his cat, Floki. He is predeceased by his father, Ray Ellis Young.

Craig was born to Ray Young and Marilyn Moragne, in Waco, Texas, May 29, 1958. Craig attended Waco High School, later graduating from MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas in 1976. He married Johnna Smith in 1988. They welcomed Cameron Oliver Young in 1990. Craig married Dot Williams in 1999 and welcomed her daughter Miranda Williams. Their daughter, Hannah Young, was born in 2000. Craig was a devoted, proud, and loving father, his reason for being.

Craig studied variously at McLennan College in Waco, Texas; Richland College, Dallas, Texas; The University of Texas at Dallas; and at Southern Methodist University School of Engineering and Advanced Computer Studies in Plano, Texas.

Craig’s passions included music, football, family, friends, but first and foremost, he was a dedicated political activist. He believed all people are created equal, that America is a land of opportunity for all, and that man-made climate change is an enormous risk to our future on this planet. He was certain of Joe Biden achieving the presidency, as well as his success as our new president. We are saddened that Craig did not live to see Mr. Biden win the presidential election, but we are sure Craig is smiling somewhere. He also enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, and going to concerts. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and nephew, having shared many good times with lasting memories for us to hold dear. He maintained friendships as far back as high school while continuing to make new friends throughout his life.

Life was at a peak for Craig when he passed. Although a career in the car business was not what he had planned, he was successful. He recently secured a job position that he was very much enjoying, and was well liked and respected by his coworkers. His children were happy, succeeding in college with the brightest of futures. After years of living in Dallas, he enjoyed spending the last couple of years in Austin, close to family.

Craig was a man of integrity. He was kind, intelligent, principled, and articulate. His bright smile, deep laughter and witty sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Due to the current status of the COVID pandemic, services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Civil Rights Project (https://txcivilrights.org/take-action/contribute/).