Young, Jimmy Leo
It is with deeply saddened and devastated hearts that we announce the passing of Jimmy Leo Young on Thursday, October 29, 2026, after a long and hard battle with health issues. Jimmy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Born June 19, 1943, to his parents, Leo Jackson Young and Ollie Elizabeth Bowers Young. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Judy Ludwig and Loretta Phillips. Jimmy lived a truly remarkable life. A proud veteran who served his country in Vietnam, he was a man defined by his determination, grit, resilience, and an extraordinary will to live. Throughout his life, he faced challenges with toughness and perseverance that those who knew him will never forget.
Alongside his beloved wife, Becky, Jimmy helped build their family restaurant. And when we say build, we mean that quite literally. Much of the original building was constructed through Jimmy’s own craftsmanship, hard work, and remarkable ability to build, repair, or fix just about anything. He was a true jack of all trades, a man whose hands helped shape not only the building itself but the foundation of a business that has become such an important part of his family and his community.
Affectionately known as the “Red Mule”, Jimmy was a familiar face and an unforgettable personality. Over the years, he developed countless friendships with customers, coworkers, and anyone he encountered. He genuinely looked forward to their conversations, the laughter, and the friendships he built.
And, of course, we could never talk about Jimmy without mentioning his “World Famous” creations at the restaurant that he helped build. From his homemade meatloaf and hand-grated homemade slaw to his beloved sausage gravy, his cooking became a part of the restaurant’s identity. These weren’t simply recipes. They were traditions, made with his own hands, that have been enjoyed by generations of families.
But beyond the restaurant, Jimmy’s greatest legacy was his family.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 30 years, Becky, and their daughters, Allison (Eric) Miller, Danielle (Megan) Booth, and Autumn (Jeremy) Workman.
He was a proud grandfather to Alex Miller, Alexis “Lexie” (Dylan) Lambert, Peyton Miller, Camden Booth, Rexton Workman, Riverlyn Workman, Renner Workman, and Rooke Workman, and a great-grandfather to Ashton Lambert and 3 sisters, Jill Finney (Dean), Sue Buie and Sherry Sink (Corky), all of Lexington, NC.
To his family, he was so much more than the man everyone knew. He was a husband, a dad, a grandpa, and a central part of the lives and memories that we will carry with us forever.
As a family, we mourn the loss of someone we loved dearly. But we also recognize that this loss extends far beyond our family. We mourn alongside the many friends, customers, and members of our community whose lives Jimmy touched over the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Castle Rock Baptist Church at 2pm, with the Rev. Gary Poff officiating. The family will receive friends 2 hours before the service from 12 – 2pm
The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.
