Born June 7, 1915 at Charleston, South Carolina, Joseph Rutledge Young was the son of Nannie Conner and Arthur Rutledge Young. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1938. He went on to receive his LL.B. degree from the University of South Carolina in 1940 and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1940, whereupon he entered law practice in Charleston in with the firm of Hagood, Rivers and Young and married Elizabeth “Liz” Evans Jenkins.
Joseph Rutledge Young served in the military for 3-1/2 years during World War II and separated as a Lieutenant Commander.
In all state and federal courts, Joseph Rutledge Young was a very active practitioner and skilled litigator and was highly recognized for his integrity, learning, loyalty, devotion and professional skill. At his death on May 21, 1997, he was a retired partner in the law firm of Young, Clement, Rivers and Tisdale, L.L.P. He believed each client deserved his best efforts and he gave his best. He was a member of many Bar associations including the Charleston County Bar and served as President from 1972–73.
He also served on the Charleston City Council from 1957–71 and was Mayor Pro Tem and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He was also an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
Surviving are his wife, Liz, three children, Joseph Rutledge Young, Jr., Mrs. Jeffery Paul Fisher and Mrs. Michael Christopher McEniry, and five grandchildren.