Billy Gene Young

Billy Gene Young, age 81, of the Oak Level Community passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Mulberry Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Stanleytown, VA on July 10, 1941 to the late Belvie A. Young and Vickey Young McGhee

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his step father, Wilson E. McGhee; brothers, Herbert Allen Young and Bobby Nelson Young; sister, Lois Young France Draper.

He is survived by his sisters, Erma Young McKee (Paul) and Louise Young Franklin (James); step sisters, Betty McGhee, Jo (Bonnie) McGhee Sink; step brother, Dewey McGhee (Martha); many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.

Billy was a member of Oak Level Baptist Church. He was a 1959 graduate of Bassett High School and a United States Army Veteran. He worked at Bassett Printing Co., JC Penney Corp, Bassett Furniture Corp. and was also an interior designer. His career with JC Penney started in Martinsville, VA. He worked in Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA and eventually at the Headquarters in Manhattan, NY. He was the apparel publicity manager for all JC Penney stores and this job allowed him to work with many celebrities, designers and sports personalities. He was honored with the title of being a Kentucky Colonel. He was an honorary member of The Grand Ole Opry and a dear friend of Whispering Bill Anderson.

Bill also was a volunteer with The Miss America organization since 1965, serving on the local, state and national levels. He was elected president of The Miss Virginia Pageant Organization in 1998 and volunteer of the year on 2002. He judged many state and local pageants. The highlights of his career were when he judged The Miss America Pageant in 1987 and 1989.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 2:00 at Henry Memorial Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Collins Funeral home Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 12:00-1:30pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com for the Young family.