George Willie Young, Jr., age sixty-three, of Harlan, Kentucky, was welcomed into his eternal home on Sunday, July 5, 2026, while at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. George fought a brief, but valiant battle with cancer. He was ready to meet his Savior face to face.

One of thirteen children, George was born on July 7, 1962, to George, Sr. and Willa Dean (Sanders) Young. He was a graduate of Harlan High School. One of his earliest jobs was working as a deputy jailer. George enjoyed serving in that position so much that he decided to make law enforcement service his career. He joined the Harlan City Police Department, received his training through the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Criminal Justice Training, and began serving the people of Harlan.

For more than twenty years, George served his community as a law enforcement officer with honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His profession was never simply a job; it was a reflection of the values by which he lived. He believed in serving others, treating people with dignity and respect, and doing what was right even when no one was watching.

During the years serving as a police officer, George obtained his bachelor's degree from Morehead State University and two master's degrees from the University of the Cumberlands; one in Clinical Mental Health and one in Addiction Counseling.

Beyond the badge, he was an extraordinary husband, who loved his wife, Dana, wholeheartedly and devoted his life to providing and caring for his family. He was an exceptional father and a proud grandfather whose greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. His kindness, wisdom, strength, and selflessness shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

George was a kind, no-nonsense, straight talking family man who was passionate about his hometown and loved working with young people. Fishing with Dana was one of his favorite pastimes. For the last several years of his life, George worked as Legal Liaison for the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. He was a devout Christian and a long time member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, George, Sr. and Willa Dean Young, George is preceded in death by nine siblings: Carolyn, Eugene, Harry, Larry, Alberta, Marilyn, Quentin, Steve, and Angela.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of thirty years, Dana (Jacobs) Young; five children: Erica Jacobs, Eric Evans, Jamie Jacobs, Nathan Young, all of Harlan, and Eric Young of Ewing, VA; many grandchildren; siblings: Neal Carter, Regina Mitchell, Shannon Harbin, Fredrick Carter, Mary Etta Young; mother-in-law, Diana Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Paula (Bennie) Patton and Donna (Aaron) Mason; brothers-in-law, Lyle Jacobs and Donald Renfro; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives; his Immanuel Baptist Church family; as well as many dear friends.

Visitation for George will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church (550 Upper Elcomb Drive, Harlan, KY) from 11:00am-1:00pm with the funeral beginning at 1:00. Reverend Arnold Martin will be officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. George Young, Jr.