Funeral service for Dr. William McKinney Young Sr, age 78, of Fayetteville will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Washington Street church of Christ with Bro. Jim Black officiating. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Dr. Young passed away Wednesday night in the Lynchburg Nursing Center.
A native of Lincoln County, he was the son of the late Dr. Richard Wilson Young, Sr. and Mildred Goodrich McKinney Young. Dr. Young attended Fayetteville City Schools and was a 1954 graduate of Central High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis, in 1960. He completed a pediatric internship at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 1961 and was Assistant Resident in Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, from July 1965 to June 1966. He established his medical practice in Fayetteville in 1966 and served families and children in Fayetteville and Lincoln County until his retirement in July 2004.
Dr. Young was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, achieving rank of Lieutenant and serving on the U.S.S. Ozbourn and General Medical Officer for Destroyer Division 112, Western Pacific from May 1962 to September 1963. He toured the Pacific, visiting Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Dr. Young also served at Millington Air Station pediatric outpatient clinic from September 1963 until May 1964.
He was certified as Fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics in July, 1967. Throughout his career he was involved in many organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, including a term as Secretary-Treasurer of the Tennessee chapter, and the Tennessee Pediatric Society, including one term as President. Dr. Young also served on the Judicial Council of the Tennessee Medical Association and as a member of the Association’s Board of Trustees. He served three terms as president of the Lincoln County Medical Society and was past Chief of Pediatrics and past Medical Coordinator at Lincoln County Hospital. He was a past president of the Fayetteville Rotary Club (1973-1974); he served as a Fayetteville Alderman and as Vice Mayor (1986-1987); he served on the Fayetteville City School Board for 15 years, including the position of vice chairman; and he served as a Lincoln County Commissioner (1988-1989).
He was a member of the Washington Street church of Christ, serving as an Elder and a Deacon. He and his wife, Suzanne, have supported and participated in medical mission work around the world, including Africa and Central America. He served on the Board of Directors for African Christian Hospitals in the early 1980s. In 1988, they began supporting and working in short-term medical mission work in Tegucigalpa and Catacamas, Honduras, Central America. In 1993 and 1994, they lived full-time in Tegucigalpa, providing free medical care in support of Clinica Amicus at Baxter Institute.
Survivors include his wife, Suzanne Holt Young of Fayetteville; sons, Dr. William (Lanette) Young, Jr. of Chattanooga and Robert Young of Huntsville, AL; daughter, Laura (Mark) Clark of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Connor Young, Tyler Young, Ashley Young, Noah Young, Erin Young, Eli Young, Will Clark, and Sara Clark; step-grandchildren, Travis Clark of Chattanooga and Megan (Alex) Vaughn of Chattanooga; step-great grandchildren Blakeli and Rocklin Vaughn; one niece; and several nephews.
Dr. Young was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dr. Richard Wilson Young, Jr.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Honduras Mission Fund at Washington Street church of Christ, P. O. 324, Fayetteville, TN 37334. Visitation with the family will be Friday evening from 4-8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.
Our family was blessed in every way by Bill and Suzanne Young. We arrived in Fayetteville in 1984 as I had accepted the boys basketball position at LCHS. One of our great fortunes was to come into community with Bill and Suzanne Young. They were mentors to us in ways that make transition easier. He took care of all our children and kept them all healthy. They were so supportive of us in our seven years following our teams and were always so complimentary. I was fortunate to teach Laura and coach/teach William. They along with Robert were great kids and were products of great parents. More importantly, they modeled Christianity for us as we worshipped with them at Washington Street. We were blessed tremendously by this man and his family! May Gods comfort and peace be felt by the entire Young family and may we be forever grateful for Dr. Bill Young.
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Our family was blessed in every way by Bill and Suzanne Young. We arrived in Fayetteville in 1984 as I had accepted the boys basketball position at LCHS. One of our great fortunes was to come into community with Bill and Suzanne Young. They were mentors to us in ways that make transition easier. He took care of all our children and kept them all healthy. They were so supportive of us in our seven years following our teams and were always so complimentary. I was fortunate to teach Laura and coach/teach William. They along with Robert were great kids and were products of great parents. More importantly, they modeled Christianity for us as we worshipped with them at Washington Street. We were blessed tremendously by this man and his family! May Gods comfort and peace be felt by the entire Young family and may we be forever grateful for Dr. Bill Young.
Sorry for my post showing up 3 times. I couldn’t tell if it was going through when I was doing it.
I will never forget Dr. Young and Suzanne coming to visitation when Derek passed away…It was such a comfort to me to know Dr. Young
was with us all these years and even in death..Thank you Dr. Young and Suzanne for being such a pillar in our community…Brenda Gatlin Anderson
The community has lost a person who has worked hard to make the world a better place. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his family along with hope that they can find peace and comfort in the fact that Dr. Bill helped so many in their time of need. God Bless!
You all are all in my thoughts and prayers. He took care of me until I was 21! I will never forget the night he sent me to Vandy to the Children’s Hospital. I knew it was serious. Through that crazy experience, he called Vandy to check on me and encourage us that I would be okay. Well, he was correct. He was a 24/7 physician. There will never be another Dr. Young. I know many mom’s were relieved by his care and knowledge. My favorite part of visiting his office was getting a sucker and ring. I thought I had gotten a diamond from Dr. Young!! Wish I saved one of those rings. I pray you all will find peace knowing he has received the ultimate gift and will no longer deal with sickness or pain. He sits with the Great Physician in Heaven know. Thank you for sharing him with us throughout all of these years.
Suzanne,Laura, Mark, Will, and Robert, where do I start. My heart hurts so bad for the loss of this great physician and the most dedicated Christian man I have ever known. His smile would let you know how concerned he was over a one of your children you brought in ( and believe me I don’t know how I got Billy Jack raised without him. He had so many allegry and bronchial problems, He also doctored my girls and as Mrs. Straton his nurse stated one day ” Dr. Bill have you heard from the Netherlands” they haven’t been in in a week or so. He was a access to this community and he will be so missed. God has gained an angel and we have memories that cannot be taken away. Love all of you and here for you if you need us. “The Netherlands”
Greatly loved and greatly appreciated. I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dr. Bill was such a wonderful man. His love for God and people was very evident. He is a true example of a life lived well. He impacted many lives for the better, including mine.
Dr.Young, was our little girl. He was so good to us. You all are in my prayers.
Our community has lost one of it’s finest gems in Dr. Bill. He was more than just a physician to our family. We always felt like he belonged to us. I will never forget that Suzanne and he were among the first people to visit my son at Vanderbilt when he lost his arms in an industrial accident. My son was 35 yrs. old and had not seen Dr. Young in years as a patient, but Dr. Bill never forgot our family. His compassion and dedication to his career and faith should serve as a shining example for all the citizens of Lincoln County. My sincerest sympathy to the entire Young family. And thanks to you for sharing this wonderful man with those of us who entrusted our children’s healthcare to him for so many years.
You have my sympathy as you give up one so special to you and to so many others. May God Bless You
Dear Young family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Young’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers for the loss of such a beloved man. May God bless you and keep you during this time of grief and mourning.
The Patterson family
Mrs. Suzanne & Kids – Dr. Young was such a wonderful man and dear friend to my dad & family for many years. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you in the days ahead.
Suzanne and family – I am so devastated to learn of Dr. Young’s passing. He was so friendly, kind and dedicated to his practice and all the children that he helped “raise”. He was so patient with worried parents too. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Dr. Young was such a wonderful Christian and an awesome man. May God bless you in the trying times now and in the future. You are all such an outstanding family and a wonderful credit to Fayetteville and Lincoln County.
Dr. Young was an ambassador for Christ whether he was in the office or in a foreign land. Such a good example! My kids still laugh about the birds in their ears ( to get them to sit still and try to hear the birds also) Mrs. Suzanne you shared him with a whole community and I am so glad that you got to serve as missionaries together – praying for your whole family at this time. We all loved him. – Billy and Cindy Langford and sons Zachary and Jordan
Suzanne and Family. I am so sorry of the Loss of Dr Young.I so Loved working with him and he was such a Wonderful person.I don’t know one single individual that he could not make smile. I filled in at the office for him a few times and enjoyed it. He will truly be missed by all .My Heartfelt Sympathy to each of you as I will be Praying for you all. Brenda Burns
Dr Young was by far “One of a Kind”. He will truly be missed. One of the best drs we have ever had. Praying for comfort for the family.
Brother Bill Young was a true Shepard to all Christians and humanity. He and Sister Suzanne Young have always given of their love of humanity, never forget them giving 2 years of their lives to help a country that most would not visit much less give of 2 years to care for them as a physician and nurse and as a loving brother and sister in Christ. Just one small example of his Christain love for all of God’s Childern without hesitation . He was always smiling and telling me to take care of my health, he was the only person who would look at me and tell me to loss weight and worried about my health and willl being. He was a Christian Leader who was truly a shepherd of the flock no matter what the circumstance he lead by example. He will be missed by those that know him, but now he is at peace with Christ and look down on his family and Smiling that unforgettable smile he is at home in heaven. Tell we meet again brother save me a seat at your table. In Christian love …Amen!!!!
He was a wonderful man. I enjoyed working with him at Fayetteville Medical. He had such a kind sweet spirit and I lovedhis sweet smile. He will be greatly missed. I will be praying for you all.
He was my doctor a long time. He saved my life a few times. He was a great man, who had a special place in my heart. So sorry for your loss.
Suzanne and family – Bill was a wonderful doctor and a friend to all. He guided many young mothers through the trials of raising children with ease and confidence and I was only one of many. He will truly be missed.
Suzanne, so sorry to hear of your loss. May God, family and friends be of comfort to you.
I am so sorry. I couldn’t have raised my kids without Dr. Young. He was always just a phone call away. Meet me at the ER he would say! I always appreciated Mrs. Young’s help on the phone. You were always so gracious to speak to me if The doc wasn’t home . Praying for all his faily.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Young’s passing. He was “one of a kind”. He tended to both my son & daughter…ages 34 & 48. I’ll never forget the night he called my house. I was rocking & singing to Justin by the phone. I always laid the phone off when rocking Justin. I kept hearing this whistling sound…finally realized if was coming from phone..picked up phone and it was Dr. Young calling to check on Justin…we hadn’t been there in several weeks. How many doctors care that much! I know I could tell many stories of his loving care for my children and others could too. We still tell our children & grandkids..”.well, Dr. young always said to do this….”..!! Loved that man! I know I bothered you at night several times…forgive me…but he could soothe a mother’s fears with just a few words. He was a truly loved and highly respected man…as stated in another tribute “he was a man after God’s own heart”. He has left a legacy not to be forgotten…a great Christian man and doctor.
Suzanne
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this time.
Fondly, Carol
So sorry for your loss..Praying for all of you. Dr. Young was “one of a kind”. Loved that man! He took care of both my children..ages 48 and 34. I’ll never forget the night he called my house. My son and I visited him quite a lot till Justin was three and outgrew his allergies. I was rocking and singing to Justin by the phone. I always laid the phone off the hook when rocking. I kept hearing this whistling sound. Finally realized it was coming from the phone. I picked it up and it was Dr. Young checking on Justin…we hadn’t been there in several weeks. How many doctors would care that much! From his home to South America he has helped treat children. His legacy will live on…me along with others still sing his praises…I could tell story after story of instances he has gone above and beyond for me during the years and I know others could also. And I know Suzanne that I bugged you quite a lot calling him at home at night…forgive me…He could soothe a mother’s fears with only a few words…we trusted him implicitly!! He was truly a very loved and respected man…may God Bless and ease your pain.
My heart is in my stomach. That is where Dr. Young found the hamburgers in my three children! They weren’t the only people who hung on to his every word! I adored him. Then i went to a woman’s house and got to hear Suzanne talk of her recent mission and i adored her too! They were the cutest couple I had ever seen! The world is sadder without him but heaven is so much richer! Sincerely,
Allison Haynes
Dr. Young was “one of a kind” ! He was both of my children’s doctor…daughter..48, son 34. We lived at his office during my son’s first 3 years…I’ll never forget the night he called me. I was rocking Justin by the phone and singing to him …I can’t carry a tune….I always laid the phone off the hook when we rocked….I kept hearing this whistle and finally realized it was coming from the phone…I picked up the phone and it was Dr. Young. I had not been done there in several weeks and he was calling to check on Justin. How many doctors would’ve done that! Loved that man. He was always there when you needed him….by phone day or night. He could calm a mother’s fears with only a few words. From his home to South America he served people. He was “a man after God’s own heart” as stated above. So sorry to hear of his loss. Praying for all of you…he left a great legacy.
Our hearts are with the family,Dr.Young you will never be forgotten and such a wonderful person and friend,Heaven is a better place just knowing that you are there.We love you much!
We are just broken hearted. There will never be another physician that will rank as high as Dr. Bill in our eyes. He single handedly saved my life when I was 5 years old by discovering my cancer and then 30 years later he was responsible for leading the path to finding my son’s brain tumor. God certainly gained an angel today. Dr. Bill…You certainly earned your wings. You were one in a million and the Vernon and Bedwell families thought the world of you. Thank you for the many years of dedication. Rest in Peace Dr. Bill…….your work on Earth is done:)
Our love and prayers to all the family during this great loss.
Suzanne, so sorry to hear about your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. HUGS!
Suzanne, So sorry about your loss but know it was heaven’s gain. I only knew Bill from our class reunions but always admired the two of you for your love for each other that was immediately evident. Of course, I knew about his love for missions and the many trips you took to foreign soil for humanitarian projects and to share the gospel. Am praying for continued strength for you as you face the days ahead as know how hard it can be on the spouse who is left behind. Continue to look to God and He will be present to sustain you. Love you, Marcelle
To Suzanne and the family,
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you over the loss of a wonderful family patriarch. I have only known you and Dr. Young since moving to Fayetteville several years ago. I first was introduced to you and Bill at at a Christmas party and the warmth you both showered on us made Jill and I feel very welcome. I gradually learned that Bill’s reputation reached all over Lincoln County; he was a wonderful doctor, a faithful Christian and a compassionate individual who meant so much to those that knew him.
All of you will be in our prayers. May The Lord ease the burden on your hearts over the loss of one you loved and chreished so very much.
Jim and Jill Roark
One phrase sums it up, “Bill was a man after God’s own heart”. Bill spent his life giving to others and I was privileged to know him. He may be gone, but his legacy will live on through all the good he did during his life. May God bless Suzanne and his family during this time of grief and may they take comfort in knowing how beloved Bill was by all who knew him.
Dear Young Family,
We just heard about Dr. Young, and we are so saddened by your loss. We thought the world of “Dr. Bill,” and we always loved hearing stories about our house and about Richard’s and Bill’s childhood there. It has been many a time that I have walked under the staircase, looked up, and imagined Richard hanging from the top railing and Dr. Bill laughing as he talked about it…or pictured a tent in the backyard with two young boys playing in it…or climbing trees, picking apples, rusting the screens on the windows…dozens of stories that mean so much to us! The house always gave us such a special connection to your family as we related its history to our Bed and Breakfast guests. Dr. Bill was such a special man and a very special friend to us. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for your entire family during this time of loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Paula, Michael, and Drew Whisenant
Dear Suzanne and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and in so many ways he was a gift to our community. He had a way of taking all my fears away when I would bring my son to visit his office and of making me feel that he really knew us and cared about us always. I love you all and hope that you will feel the prayers this community will lift up for you and yours.
To Mrs. Suzanne and family:
May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you at this time. The world has lost an Amazing man! He was my doctor and my brothers doctor and everybody I knows doctor and he was Awesome. But not just as a doctor but as a Christian man!
And loving husband and father!
We all loved Dr. Young and he will be missed by many! May God bless you all!
In Christian love,
Debra West
So very sorry! Dr. Young was a precious man. I know you all will miss him very much. Thinking of and praying for comfort for you all.
Paul, Lori, Shelby & Isaac Finch
Mrs. Young, Mark and Laura, and family,
Dr. Young left a smile everywhere he went! I loved him being my doctor and I actually enjoyed going to the doctor because of him. Very fond memories and he always knew you if he saw you out. My deepest sympathy to all of you. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.
Dr. Young was my pediatrician. I credit God and him for saving my life from bilateral pneumonia when I was only 6. The world has lost a great physician. Allison
Suzanne and family: Kaye and I are very sorry to hear of Dr. Bill’s Passing. He will be truly missed by many. You have our sincere sympathy as you go through this trying time. Jim and Kaye