CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 29, 2019 – It is with a heavy heart that Johnson C. Smith University acknowledges the passing of Floyd D. Young, founder and president of FDY, Inc. Young’s food service company provided service to students, faculty, staff and guests at JCSU for 30 years.
“The Johnson C. Smith University family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Floyd Young,” said JCSU President Clarence D. Armbrister. “On behalf of the University, I send condolences to the Young family, his friends, the employees of FDY, Inc., and all whose lives were touched by his generosity and leadership. Mr. Young made many tangible and intangible contributions to JCSU. Not only was he dedicated to providing high-quality food and customer service to nourish students’ bodies, but he was also dedicated to nourishing their minds and their souls.”
Young provided financial assistance to more than 100 students through the Floyd and Norma Young Annual Scholarship. He was inducted into the Biddle Society, JCSU’s highest giving society, as a result of his steadfast financial support. In addition, he employed numerous students to help them pay for their education and mentored countless students who valued his sound advice and wise counsel.
Young was a trailblazing businessman in Charlotte and paved the way for many minority entrepreneurs in the city. Currently Young’s company employs more than 300 people and is listed as one of the largest minority-owned companies in Mecklenburg County by the Charlotte Business Journal. Mr. Young will be missed, but his contributions to JCSU and to the city of Charlotte will endure.
