Augustus "Jr." Love was born on April 15, 1940, in Meridian, Oklahoma, to Launzy and Beatrice Hider Love.  While growing up the youngest of eight children, Jr. attended L'Ouverture Grammar School in Meridian.  The family later relocated to Guthrie, Oklahoma, where Jr. graduated from Faver High School in 1958.  During his time in high school, Jr. enjoyed playing basketball and drums in the school band.  Jr.'s high school experiences left indelible marks on his memory and he cherished his high school reunions, always eager to reconnect with his classmates and reminisce about the old times.

The call to serve his country led Jr. to enlist in the United States Army after high school, where he honorably served in Korea from 1963 to 1965. Upon returning to Oklahoma, he briefly worked in a furniture factory before moving to Blythe, California, in 1966. His pursuit of higher education led him to Palo Verde College while juggling two jobs; one as a bus driver for the Palo Verde Unified School District; and the other as an aircraft porter at the Blythe Airport.  This experience led him to take flying lessons during this time, which was a fond memory that he carried with him and highlights his adventurous spirit.

After his college years, Jr.'s first exposure to the trucking business occurred during his brief tenure with Triangle Freight Lines.  After his time there, he embarked on a professional journey that ultimately became his life's passion.  Starting with H&S Hay Company, he loaded hay trucks and then progressed to become a truck driver and later a broker for the company.  During this period, he met Eddie B. Jones and they married on August 16, 1969.  Jr. and Eddie shared a loving family with two daughters, Norma Stinson and Shelcie Love, and became a proud and doting grandfather to Raquel Christine Love.

After leaving H&S in the late 1980s, Jr. started Love's Hay Sales and affiliated himself with the National Hay Association to help expand his professional network of partners.  Throughout his professional journey, Jr. mentored numerous individuals in truck driving and hay squeeze operations.  In his later years, Jr. worked closely with Hayday Farms and Eric Sanchez and enjoyed working with everyone on the Hay Day Farms team.  Alongside his professional pursuits, Jr. was passionate about horses, cherishing the time he was able to spend with his equine companions, Rocky and Barbie.  Jr. relished the joy of riding horses in the desert, local parades, roping, and he loved to attend rodeos.  He also enjoyed the Colorado River in his boat and participated in river cruises in past years.

Jr. possessed an unshakable dedication to his extended family, as evident in his fervent support for both the Love and Hider family reunions.  Jr. traveled all over the United States to participate in family gatherings. In later years, he found love and companionship with Linda Sanchez, sharing their lives with family, enjoying travel, camping, and bonding over shared interests.

During his life, Jr. was also a member of the St. Paul Baptist Church, a prominent member of the Palo Verde Lodge #37 in Blythe, California, within the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California, Incorporated. As a FreeMason, he served as Worshipful Master, Past Master, and District Inspector for the Grand Lodge. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Palo Verde Lodge's Knights of Pythagoras group, dedicated to guiding and nurturing young men.  Jr. previously served on the Palo Verde College Foundation Board of Directors, Kiwanis Club, and supported local sports, 4-H projects, and other community initiatives.

Left behind to honor Jr.'s memory and legacy are his brother Alvin "A.C.'' Love, daughters Norma Stinson and Shelcie Love, granddaughter Raquel Love, life partner Linda Sanchez, her children Meliton Sanchez (Sonhia), Alicia Phipps (Jeff), Eric Sanchez (Tianna), grandchildren Meliton Sanchez IV (Jesseca), Alyssa Krisell (Clay), Blake, Hadley, JC Phipps, Savannah, and Crew Sanchez, great-grandchildren Maia Sanchez and Lyla Jo Krisell, along with God Son Victor Carter and God Daughter Morenike Babajide.  He was preceded in death by his parents Launzy and Beatrice Love; brothers Calvin Love, Robert Love, and Simmie Love; sisters Alreece Luke, Erma Lee Smith, and Minnie Harton; nephews Lester Darnell Love, Donnie Love, Troy Love, and Everett Love; and nieces Charlene Henderson, and Evelyn Smith.

Jr. passed away on October 9, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his beloved family. His memorial services will occur on November 10, 2023, at Frye Chapel in Blythe, CA. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 10:00 AM, with interment immediately thereafter at the Palo Verde Cemetery.

Augustus "Jr." Love will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith and a person who was devoted to his family and friends.  He was a mentor to many and blessed with the gift of gab.  We will miss him.