Claude Jeffrey "Jeff" Young
March 23, 2026
Claude Jeffrey “Jeff” Young, 64, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on March 23, 2026. Born on October 24, 1961, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jeff was the son of Dr. John and Peggy Young of Charlotte. He was a graduate of The Loomis Chaffee School.
Jeff devoted his life to raising his children, Emily and Dallas, as a single father from the time they were just three and one years old. He embraced this role with unwavering dedication, humor, and love, supporting them in everything from athletics and the arts to outdoor adventures like dirt biking and fishing
Professionally, Jeff worked in commercial real estate, partnering with his father to purchase and develop properties. He had a sharp eye for opportunity and was rarely without his recorder, always capturing details and big ideas for the future.
Jeff had an extraordinary gift for connection. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and often did. With his quick wit and a sense of humor that could make light of almost any situation, he was truly the life of the party and brought energy and laughter wherever he went. To many, he was more than a friend; he was family. He had a deep love for music and spent years attending as many Grateful Dead shows and The String Cheese Incidents as he could. He was a collector of many things and loved being out on the water fishing for hours. He felt most at peace at Figure Eight Island, NC, a place he had always hoped to one day call home.
Those that knew Jeff knew that family was everything to him. He is survived by his parents, Dr. John and Peggy Young; his two children, Emily Young and Dallas Young (Rachel); his beloved grandchildren, Nora and Parker, with another grandchild on the way; and his sister, Ann Megan Balk (Chum), along with her children, Anne Maxwell Douglass (Chris), Lucy Douglass Kelly (John), Edo Douglass (Elizabeth), and Margaret Douglass. He was deeply loved by his nieces and nephew, who knew him as “Uncle Bubba,” and by his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Gubba.” He was preceded in death by his older brother, John Young, III, who passed away on March 17, 1977.
There are not enough words to fully capture the impact Jeff had on the people in his life. He will be profoundly missed by his family, his many friends, and all who had the joy of knowing him.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Quail Hollow Country Club Pavilion from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. All those who knew him are welcome. A service and celebration will be held in Wilmington, NC, at a later date.
"Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell." – Grateful Dead, Brokedown Palace
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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The Unseen Thread
A part of the world went quiet,
When you had to say goodbye,
A steady presence turned to memory,
Underneath an open sky.
It’s the quiet in the morning,
The void within the day,
The voice you wish to hear again,
To help you find your way.
But love is not a whisper,
That vanishes in the air,
It’s a thread that runs through everything,
And keeps you in its care.
Though you cannot reach to hold them,
Or hear their gentle laughter,
They are the light that lasts forever,
Here, and ever after.
Let the tears fall like the rain,
And let the heartache stay,
But know they walk beside you,
In a quiet, loving way.
For those who leave a legacy,
Of laughter, warmth, and grace,
Are never truly gone from you,
They’ve only changed their place.
~Author unknown -
So sorry to hear the news of Jeffs passing. We lived two doors down in Winston Salem and Emily and Dallas were our girls Elizabeth and Taylors best friends the first 4 years of their lives and were very close in age. Jeff was a wonderful caring father to those beautiful babies who are now beautifully grown. So many fond memories as they grew together .I remember the parrot they had ,the wonderful nanny and how Jeffs Mom made lovely smocked dresses for Emily. We've moved to Cincinnati but send condolences to all the Young's. Hilary,Tim,Alex,Elizabeth (Bizzy) and Taylor Young.
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So sad to hear this. The Youngs are a special family to me. Jeffrey's brother John was one of my best friends and I spent a lot of time with the family back in the 70's. Jeffrey was ever-present. My condolences to the family
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We Always loved seeing Jeff when we visited family in Charlotte. He welcomed us and was always hospitable. Until we see you again…
William and Susie
Prayers go out to all the family and friends. -
Loosing your dad is hard. But know that God the Father holds him -- an you and his family -- close to His heart.
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Jeff had an infectious smile and spirit. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace to the best rhythm guitar player this lead singer could ask for.
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I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
With sympathy and love,
Betsey D Urquhart -
Emily and Dallas,
I am so sorry for your loss! Your dad was such a great, fun guy and, more importantly, always seemed like a wonderful, supportive father. Thinking of you both and sending lots of love to you and yours. I know he was well loved, not just by you two, so my condolences to his family and friends! May his memory be a blessing for all who loved him.
With love and sympathy,
Claire Robb -
Hi, I am Tom Ferrell’s mom and I just wanted to offer my condolences. I had the pleasure of knowing Jeff in their college days. He was always one of my favorites and I have kept up with him through the years through Tom. Sending love and prayers.
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Dr. and Mrs. Young,
I would not want to read the alternate history of what my life might have been without Jeff Young in it.
He was in the dorm room next to mine at UGA, and when I tell you he cracked the world open for me, I say it with deep and unending gratitude. He lived so presently, joyously, and lovingly. He was an adventurer and a loyal friend, kind of a rare combination in some ways. And there was always room for one more. I am so fortunate that he shared that world with me. I know many others feel the same way. Jeff was a lifer. There was not enough music and not enough friendship to fill his soul. Those of us who shared in that couldn’t help but learn a little about living.
When he talked about his children, he literally overflowed with pride and wonder. It was inspiring to me as a father myself.
I’m going to miss those random texts and calls, those ideas for another trip and another memory.
There was only one Jeff Young. The universe simply could not have accommodated another. Some people leave a collection of achievements when they go. Jeff leaves a wellspring of love, laughter, and light that we will all be able to return to again and again as long as we remain. I can’t think of any aspiration higher than that.
You, Dallas, Emily and all Jeff touched will forever be in my thoughts and grateful prayers.
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