I cut Dwayne’s hair since we were in our early 20’s. We pretty much grew into adult life  together. I always enjoyed our conversations and the stories he told me. Even though I quit working 10+ years ago we kept in touch. My last conversation with him was probably September and I had no idea I wouldn’t get another so soon. So  I’d say if someone you care about crosses your mind pick up the phone and touch base. He has been on my mind recently and I wish I’d done just that! Hugs to Nicole and Dustin ! Your dad was always happy to keep me up to date on your lives and he was so very proud. 

He will be dearly missed. 

Dustin and Nicole I'm so sorry for your loss. I know even though we're cousins sadly we were never close. My mother Janice loved him so much. Her baby brother she was so proud of. I took care of her until she passed and we talked alot. She loved your dad so much. I personally got to know your dad better than I ever have over the past couple years. We grew closer as Texas and Illinois was between us.  I so wish we grew up together.  I know from losing my Dad and Mom Janice how hard it is. My heart goes out to all of you. You have alot of family here in Illinois. I welcome you to reach out to any of us Youngs. God Bless you all

I first met Dwayne while working at Dell early in 2000’s. As soon as you meet Dwayne you’re hooked. Big ole smile, always! Something funny to say, always! He loved to have fun. He loved a lot of things. Tough exterior soft approachable interior. We bonded over dirt bikes, old cars, and good times.

I’ll never forget the first time he let me ride his YZ250. Crashed like a boss out in that corn field behind his house. Hooked ever since and went out and bought bikes for my son and me shortly after. Never could get Dwayne to ride with us. His riding days were done by then, but he would tell those “Pit” stories from down south every time topic of bikes came up. Jumping this crashing that…would have loved to catch him riding back in the day!

His cars were always my envy. When young boys grow up, they dream of a garage like Dwayne’s. Going to miss just sitting around them cars catching up on what’s done and what’s next. Always fun to see a new frame or chassis roll into the yard. Never did understand how he was going to get all these visions complete. I don’t believe it was ever about completing the job as much as it was sharing and hanging out. Dwayne loved to hang out.

So many good times over the years with this man. Grateful that he let me into his life to meet some of his larger friend circle and family. Bonfires out back, 4TH of July fireworks, beers at the Tap, burgers at Finley’s, that crazy night we ended up at Hanover’s, the Tequila tasting party and making runs down south will always be  memories in my heart. Gonna miss those stories from NASCAR, Carnival, Burning Flipside, the Ireland trip and so many more.

You are a legend Mr. Potter, one I will miss greatly. You asked me if I was gonna cry when you died. I haven’t stopped. 

RIP Brother.

When I first met Dwayne, I was working as a waitress. His sister, Janice was the Assistant Manager. She asked two of my coworkers if they wanted to meet her brother. She didn't ask me since I just broke up with my fiancé about a month before. When asked why, she said I was trouble. He came in and met my two coworkers. The next night, I was watching the door and cash register when he came in. All we could do was.lock eyes and that was that. He spent the evening with his sister and only asked her about me. He wanted me to write to him since he lived in Texas and I agreed. This was the start of a 18 year relationship. We married the following year, had Nicole then Dustin. Regrettably, our marriage did not last. I hope you found the peace that you were looking for. You'll always hold a special place in my heart.

Dwayne was my big brother. My protector, defender, my adventure buddy. I was in Jr. High and Dwayne had dirt bikes. I thought dirt bikes were cool. They looked fun. My Mom and my sister saw potential danger and were in cahoots to keep me from dirt bike fun. Dwayne however told me I could go riding with him, but I couldn’t tell my Mom or my sister. 

He always made sure I wore full gear including a helmet. We would take dirt bikes across the street to the area known to us in the neighborhood as “the pit”. It was an old land fill. It had hills that were perfect for riding on and trying jumps. I could ride the small ones. 

After a few times of sneaking in a ride we had gotten used to the routine until one day while crossing the street back to the house from a ride, my sister turned the corner as we crossed the road and we were busted. She got off work early that day. He said to take the bike back, get out of my gear and he would talk to my sister. I didn’t get in trouble and my Mom wasn’t told. I do think he got in trouble with my sister though.

Thank you, Dwayne for the dirt bike rides, partnering with my sister in being the buffer in fights between my Mom, and teaching me how to shoot cans. I’ll miss you big brother.