Joseph Lawton “Joe” Youmans, 45, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick.
Born in Blackshear, December 10, 1978, he lived in Pierce County most of his life. He was a 1997 graduate of Pierce County High School and attended the University of Florida. Hard work was instilled in him at the age of six when he began driving the tractor on the family farm. It was while he was in elementary school that the entrepreneur in him came out when he began selling blow pops on the school bus. He would go on to work for CSX Transportation for 19 years as a train master. During this time, he also worked for Consumer Electronics and Harry’s Thermal Contractors. Following his time with CSX, he and his wife, Penny, bought their first of numerous businesses, Anytime Fitness in Alma, and later Anytime Fitness in Blackshear. He started Average Joe’s Pawn Shop as well as Average Joe’s Car Wash. He also owned Dealz Outlet along with many other businesses. He had a big heart and always tried to help someone when they needed it. He worked hard for what he had and was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor with the ones he loved the most.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Tommy Youmans and his mother and stepfather, Margaret Elaine Barnes Bargeron and Clint Bargeron.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Penny Carter Youmans, Blackshear; his son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Molly Youmans, Blackshear; two sisters, Thamantha “Tammy” (Eddie) Roberts, Meigs and Margie Youmans-Jennings, Blackshear; his “second mama”, Betty Chehab, Blackshear; special friends, Brian Owens, Chris Ryals, Mark Scurry, Justin Roberts, Little Larry Sharpe, Michael Moody, James Longshore and Sam Head; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, as well as many more friendships made along the way over the years.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the First Baptist Church of Blackshear.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 24, from the First Baptist Church of Blackshear.
Interment will be in the Waters Cemetery.
The family kindly requests that those in attendance “Dress Like Joe” by wearing comfortable clothes such as shorts and flip-flops.
Memorials may be made to any local animal rescue the giver chooses.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
