William “Bill” Lester Young, Jr., age 74, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, lived a life full of adventure, laughter, competition, and, most importantly, the people he loved. He passed away from natural causes on January 28, 2025, with his life partner, Jackie, and his children by his side at Memorial Health Neuro ICU in Savannah, Georgia.

Bill was an entrepreneur, world traveler, competitive tennis player, BBQ grill master, fun-loving dad and grandpa, tribute band enthusiast, and a legendary power napper—always ready to recharge his brilliant mind for whatever came next.

Born on January 29, 1950, in Duluth, Minnesota, Bill was the son of William and Virginia Young and one of their five children. His competitive spirit and love of sports began early in life. He taught himself to play golf and went on to win several tournaments. Throughout his school years, he ran cross country and played basketball, football, hockey, and baseball. For Bill, the joy was not only in the game, but in the challenge, the competition, and the friendships he made along the way.

Bill graduated from Duluth East High School in 1968 and later from what he affectionately called the “school of hard knocks.” He earned his master plumber license and went on to own several companies throughout his lifetime. He was a longtime member of the Duluth Curling Club and Ridgeview Country Club. He was a proud hockey and soccer dad and treasured the time he spent playing golf with his wife Nancy and their sons.

After retirement, Bill moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. There, he enjoyed his love of golf while expanding his vacation rental business. Never one to sit still for long, Bill took up tennis and quickly embraced the sport with his characteristic enthusiasm. He played every week as a member of the Hilton Head Spring Lake Racquet Club, where he loved being a tennis team captain. His dedication and competitive nature were rewarded when his team became the 2024 USTA League State Champions.

For all of Bill’s accomplishments, the things that mattered most were the people and experiences that filled his life. He loved spending time with Jackie and his family, sharing a good laugh over a glass of wine, traveling the world, enjoying music and tribute bands, remodeling and fixing things around the house, and making memories with the people fortunate enough to know him. He had a great sense of humor and a way of bringing energy and fun wherever he went. Bill’s determination, curiosity, and zest for life made him someone who was enjoyable to spend time with and impossible to replace.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virginia Young; his wife, Nancy Young; and his eldest son, Steven Young. His dear sister, Debbie Bogdanowicz, also passed away in 2025.

He leaves behind his life partner, Jacquelyn Stever; his daughter, Mardy (Myron) Maki; his sons, Elliot, Evan, and Eric Young; his grandchildren, Blake and James Mullen, and Parker and Wesley Maki; his sister, Patty (Steve) Massie; his brothers, Tim (Linda) and Ron (Peggy) Young; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Duluth, Minnesota.

Bill will be remembered for his incredible determination, resilience, competitive spirit, and fun-loving sense of humor. He made the most of his time here, never losing his curiosity or his willingness to try something new. His life was filled with stories, adventures, laughter, and people he loved.

In one final act of generosity, Bill gave the gift of life through organ donation. While his passing leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who loved him, this selfless gift means that a part of Bill’s legacy will continue through others.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.