Former Hope Mayor Floyd Young, Jr. Passes

Editor’s Note…long-time Hope resident and former Mayor Floyd Young, Jr. passed away on October 17th.  His family graciously shared this statement for publication.

Floyd Young Jr., of Hope , AR passed Friday October 17, 2025. He was a lifelong leader
servant, and is noted as being the 1st black mayor of Hope, AR in 1983-86. He also worked with
the Arkansas Department of Education, served on several boards, chairman and president of
Arkansas Counseling Association, and helped in the transition of Red River Vo Tech in Hope to
University of Arkansas Community College.
Funeral services will be Sunday October 26, 2025 at Rising Star Baptist Church in Hope, AR.
He leaves behind his wife, Arlene, and three sons.
LEGACY
The impact of Floyd Young, Jr.’s reach in this world can’t be realized. Knowing his impact on
people’s lives is beyond our awareness, but many of us are here standing in the light that he
showed in various ways. He was many things, but he mastered the art of serving with grace.
“I really consider it a privilege to be of more service to this community.” Floyd Young, Jr.
Community
• Mayor of Hope, Arkansas
• Member of the Arkansas Association for counseling and guidance
• Member of American Vocational Association
• Member of Southwest Arkansas Counselors Association
• President of Hope Kiwani’s club
• Board of Directors of Hope Chamber of Commerce
• Board of Directors of Medical Park Hospital
• Board of Directors of Hope Parks and Tourism Commission
• Delegate to the American Personnel and Guidance Association
• Member of Hope Housing Authority Board
• Chair of Neva Carmichael Scholarship Committee
• Trustee of the Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship of Kiwanis International
Career in Education
• Classroom educator at Carver High School
• Classroom educator at Clow Training School
• Assistant Director of counseling at Red River Vo-tech School
• Classroom educator at Lincoln High School
• Taught classes and counselled at Yerger High School until 1969
• Counseled at HHS 1970-1975
• Vice Chancellor for student services at University of Arkansas Community College
• Guidance Specialist and GED administrator for Arkansas Department of Education
• Counselor for Arkansas Employment Security Division
• Licensed Professional Therapist
• Chairman of Arkansas Counseling Board of Examiners
• President of the Arkansas School Counselors Association
Educational training
•Graduate of Blevins Training School in 1957
• BSE in mathematics from Arkansas AM&N college in 1961
• MSE in guidance and counselling at Henderson State University in 1966
• Received additional graduate study through National Science Foundation at Texas Southern
University