Don B Young

Don Belk Young, 100, passed to his rest January 11, 2025. He was born near Coffeen, Illinois November 25, 1924. His father Frank was a farmer; his mother Mary was a school teacher. He was the oldest of four, two sisters, Glen Alice Lazier and Janice Sue Pearson survive, his brother Frank predeceased.

He is survived by his children, Sherry Jean Blair, Surprise, AZ, Sheryl Lee Simpson, Fairview, AL, Michael Don Young, Helena, AL, Cynthia Dee Ruggles, Georgetown, KY, Geoffrey Young, Hoover, AL, and Nona Renee Thomas, Indian Springs Village, AL. Stepsons- Scott Martin, Columbia, TN and Mark Martin, Pelham, AL.

Additionally, he is survived by his 22 Grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren and 10 Great Great grandchildren.

He served in the U.S. Army from March 1943-February, 1946, attaining the rank of Sgt. His assignments included Finance Training School at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, Flight training with the Army Air Force with assignments in Keesler Field and Mississippi State, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and San Antonio, Texas. Overseas assignment to Hawaii in February, 1945, discharged from Army in February, 1946 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

Don went to St. Louis Business College and worked as bookkeeper for the Litchfield News-Herald for two years. In 1949 he and Martha Elam were married; they moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama so he could attend college on the G.l. bill. Sheryl was born in Tuscaloosa October 18, 1950.

He graduated from University of Alabama in 1952; was employed as a C.P.A. with Arthur Andersen & Co., in St. Louis until 1963. Michael, Cynthia, Geoffrey and Nona were born in St.Louis.

Participated in the first Univac computer installation for commercial purposes at General Electric in Louisville, Ky. Served on the budget committee for Kirkwood, Mo.; consultant with St. Louis Police; organized the St. Louis chapter of U of A Alumni.

In 1963 moved to Birmingham, was Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer at UAB until his retirement on December 31, 1988.

On Palm Sunday in 1964 he and his family joined the New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as Treasurer, Deacon and Elder. Don was Treasurer of Valley Elementary School P.T.A. in 1966; President of Hoover Athletic Association in 1969.

His life experiences included work as a water boy for a threshing ring in the 1930's, private secretary for a lawyer in early 1940's, bookkeeper for a newspaper, Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Legacy Federal Credit Union during 45 years of service, bookkeeping duties for Oak Tree Furniture, Southlake Townhomes, and Altadena Country Club Senior Men's golf group.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren had a special place in his priorities--golfing, making cookies, and just talking and being together were his favorite times.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the UAB athletics department at the link provided. www.uabsports.com, under Blazer Boosters

A visitation for Don will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.