Dr. William E. Young, PhD

On May 16, 2024, William Earl Young died peacefully at age 88 after a lifetime of being loved. Shortly after Bill was born in Homerville, Georgia on October 21, 1936, his family relocated by wagon to Jasper, Florida, a small town he cherished his entire life. Bill grew up in Jasper learning many skills from his mother, a schoolteacher, his seven siblings, including his older sisters that helped raise him, and through self-motivation and hard work in farming and sports. Overcoming the death of his mother at age 8, missed school days due to farming needs and overflowing rivers, Bill went on to be the first of his family to attend a university. Bill entered Florida State (FSU) with simply $200 in his pocket and motivation. He storied forever about growing up in Jasper and lifelong friends met at FSU who were housemates supported by the Southern Scholarship Foundation. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Gold Key Honor Society. Earning his Mathematics, B.S., Bill went on to achieve his Masters in Baking Science and Management at FSU. Bill excelled academically while working two jobs, and managed time to enjoy college life and marry his college sweetheart, Peggy Cooper, in 1962. Bill and Peggy relocated to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, for him to complete his Ph.D. in Finance. Following the births of their two daughters, Beth and Cheryl, the family returned to Tallahassee in 1969 where Bill would spend his entire professional career with FSU. Bill taught in FSU’s College of Business and served as Chair of the Finance Department. The family has fond memories of living in London as a part of this FSU teaching program. Many benefited from Bill’s contributions to the Girl Scouts of Big Bend, including his adoring daughters. In Bill’s retirement, he stayed active remodeling properties by hand. Bill could teach himself to accomplish any physical pursuit. His everlasting joys were building, fishing on Lake Talquin, time with family, including all Youngs sprouting from Jasper, and his grandson above all. When the strong and active Bill transitioned to a quieter and slower life, he continued to be loved and cared for by his daughters and grandson and dedicated caregivers with the ALF and Big Bend Hospice, who brought more joy to each of his days. Bill’s grin, strength, talents, imaginative intellect, stories, playfulness, and tender side will be missed. Bill’s daughters would like to thank our knowing friends, his caregivers, Harry and Bettyanne Watkins and Ron and Martha Stubbs, who set an example of abiding steadfast friendship until the end. Bill is survived by his daughters, Margaret “Beth” Young, Cheryl Young, and winsome grandson, William Cooper Young. The family will place Bill to rest with tranquility at New Hope Baptist Cemetery in Jasper, Florida and in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Dr. William E. Young, PhD

October 21, 1936 - May 16, 2024