Jon Michael Young

Jon Michael Young passed away on January 13, 2025, in Ocala, Florida, surrounded by his loving family, following complications from a stroke. He was 80 years old.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Young; his three children, Jessica (Nathan) Clevenger, Amanda (Chris) Pell, and Jared (Nan) Young; seven cherished grandchildren; and his brothers, Leighton Young, Stephen Young, and Philip Young. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Young.

Jon was born on January 22, 1944, to Lorraine and Otho Young in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Due to his father’s work in the oil industry, his childhood was spent traveling throughout the western United States. His life was anything but conventional—defined by bold choices, a strong will, and an independent spirit.

At just 15, Jon set out on his own, beginning his journey in New Orleans. He took his first job as a short-order cook at Walgreens before working a series of odd jobs, from busboy to door-to-door magazine salesman. At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard an aircraft carrier stationed in San Diego. After an honorable discharge, he returned to New Orleans and continued his adventurous career, working on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and tugboats in the local port before making an unexpected career shift—becoming a hairdresser.

Jon’s ambition led him to Atlanta, where he trained under a renowned stylist and quickly rose in the industry. He honed his styling craft at Blood, Sweat & Scissors, Atlanta’s first unisex salon, before going on to launch Hairship, The Wizard of Ahs, and several other well-known salons in Buckhead, Atlanta. His talent attracted local celebrities and musicians, but his most important client was a young labor and delivery nurse named Mary Chapman. Their whirlwind romance led to an engagement after just two and a half months of dating and a wedding two weeks later, on July 30, 1977.

Jon and Mary built a life in the mountains, first in Highlands, North Carolina, before settling in Ellijay, Georgia, where they raised their three children. Though he commuted to Atlanta for work, home was always in the mountains. After nearly six decades in the hair industry, Jon retired in 2023 due to health reasons, and he and Mary relocated to Ocala, Florida, to be closer to family.

Jon was a true individual, never constrained by the opinions of others. He marched to the beat of his own drum, embracing life with sharp wit, directness, and loving sarcasm. A passionate survivalist long before it became mainstream, he was an avid gun enthusiast who enjoyed reloading ammunition and researching the latest survival gadgets. But above all, he believed in protecting and providing for his family. He fiercely loved Mary from the moment they met and remained devoted to her until his last breath. He instilled in his children the values of independence, integrity, and the importance of building strong families of their own.

Jon never sought the spotlight and never wanted recognition for the kindnesses he quietly bestowed. He loved the Lord and lived with an unwavering commitment to honoring God through his actions. His legacy is one of loyalty, steadfast devotion, and a deep commitment to protecting those he loved most —one that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to truly know and understand who he was as a person.

A memorial service for Jon will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home in Ocala, Florida. Friends and family are welcome to attend.