Roy Young Iii

Roy S. Young, III, affectionately known as Tre, was born November 13, 1980, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to JoAnn Tinney and Roy S. Young Jr. He departed this life on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Preceding him in death: maternal grandparents, Charles E. Tinney III and Betty Bailey, paternal grandmothers, Shirley F. Clarke and Betty Young, maternal great-grandmother, Naomi Hunter, paternal great-grandparents, Silas and Hazel Young and Clara Smith. Uncles, Ronald L. Young and Felix Dixon; and beloved nephew, Sean A. Winston II.

As a child, Tre was a laid-back, drama-free type of guy. Being the only boy among five sisters, he learned very early to stay out of the way and maintain a low profile. He would often play with his video games, GI Joe collection, or trading cards. His cool demeanor followed him into his adult life. Tre enjoyed reading and would often encourage people to read the Bible for themselves. He would always say, "If it ain't in the Bible, I don't know nothing about it."

An avid football fan, Tre loved the Dallas Cowboys but later converted to the Kansas City Chiefs. He desired to play football when he was younger but was told he was not large enough. It was then he learned that he was gifted to run. Tre was a phenomenal runner, earning a Varsity letter at Park Hill High School, where he still holds several records. Often called "The Cleanup Man," everyone knew that during a relay, even if the team was not in the lead if Tre received a smooth handoff of the baton, a win was possible. Known for his upright running stance and moderate start, he often said, "you can't start out too fast; you must run the race with patience." He always finished strong, and his signature race was the 400M. In the first 200M, he could be spotted in the middle of the pack, but he would turn on the jets as soon as he hit the turn. You could hear people asking who he was and where he came from in the crowd. Tre competed at local, regional, and national levels. Traveling to a host of cities: Norfolk, Orlando, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis, to name a few. While competing at the AAU Junior Olympics in 1998, he was ranked 14th best in the country for the 400M in his age bracket. Upon graduating high school in 1999, he received a track scholarship to Park University in Parkville, Missouri.

In 2001, Tre enlisted in the National Guard/Air Force. He served until he was honorably discharged. His daily push-up routine was one that he continued even after he left the military. A lover of music, he aspired to be a rapper, but one of the proudest moments in his life was becoming a father.

The birth of his son Trevon Miller sparked a new fire in him. Tre would light up whenever he spoke of him, and although he did not see Trevon as often as he desired, that did not stop him from sharing his joy about him. His dream for Trevon was to grow up and be a strong, productive Black King! Another role he did not take lightly was being an uncle. He was great with his nieces and nephews and loved to play with them.

Memories of Tre are cherished by his mother, JoAnn Tinney, his father and bonus mom, Roy S. Jr., and T'Shanna Young, all of Kansas City, MO. Son, Trevon Miller, Lexington, KY, sisters: Nakia Tinney, Richmond, VA, Chanta Morrison (Jamie) Kansas City, MO, Ryan Tinney Lees Summit, MO, Alexis Jones (Donmiante) Blue Springs, MO, Araceli "KiKi" Cruz (Frankie) and Anele Rose Young of Kansas City, MO. Grandfather Roy S. Young Sr. (Germaine) Lenexa, KS, aunts: Lori Mitchell Kansas City, MO, Gina Tinney-Moye (Ronald) Atlanta, GA, Renee Carter (Eddie) New Haven, CT, uncles: Stephen Young New Britain, CT, and Mark Young, Dallas, TX. In addition to a host of Great Aunts and Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Tre will be deeply missed for his thoughtfulness, caring, and peaceful spirit. He has now completed the ultimate race and is at peace.

As he would always say, "God's got me," and we are glad that He does. Way to go, Champ; you have earned your reward.