Bill Young
(William F. Young Jr.)
Bill Young passed away October 3, 2025, at the age of 65. Bill was a multi-talented musician, singer and song writer who excelled in violin, fiddle, guitar and vocals. As a freelance performer, he was comfortable in a number of genres from classical to popular along with impersonations of popular singers. He loved entertaining and he loved to share his talents through performing, teaching and mentoring.
Bill was the son of Marva and William Young Sr. Both parents being talented performing and teaching musicians with extensive experience, Bill began studying piano and rudiments of theory at age eight under their instruction. He started violin at age 10 in a Suzuki program directed by Orlo Gilbert, professor at Southern Adventist University.
As a young teenager Bill became intrigued by the guitar. He began to teach himself to play by watching, listening, and interacting with other guitarists. As he continued to develop his own style of playing Bill was particularly influenced by the music of leading folk singers of that time; John Denver, James Tayler and Dan Fogelberg. During college Bill became interested in fiddling and learned its techniques as an adjunct to his traditional classical violin playing. He also developed vocal impersonations of other singers and, for a bit of humor, cartoon characters like Porky Pig. Bill completed a Bachelor of Music Education, from Southern Adventist University, supported in part by a music teaching and orchestra scholarship where he taught violin and played in the college’s symphony orchestra. In his final year, Bill served as Concertmaster.
Following graduation Bill moved to Nashville to explore the world of freelance recording and songwriting where he experienced many successes as he pursued his love of music and entertainment. Since the beginning of his guitar playing days, Bill developed a passion for the instrument and writing folk songs akin to Country and Western music.
Young lived near the Great Smoky Mountains for the past 25 years where he played in the bluegrass band Mountain Ruckus that entertained audiences in pre-show programs before the main arena shows at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Additionally, he performed at the Black Bear Jamboree, and most recently the Titanic Museum. Bill also performed at many other shows, churches and resorts like the Arbors at the Island Landing in Pigeon Forge.
Through the years he recorded numerous CDs of bluegrass, country, folk, and gospel music which included many of his own compositions. Some of his most loved songs include He Gives Us Friends, Visiting Hours, Healing Love, Your Hands (a tribute to his brother, Brian), Making Things Happen, Makn’ New Memories, Whiter than Snow, Master of Nothing, It’s only Me, Echoes from the Heart, and Called to Serve.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Brian; father, William Sr. and stepmother Mary Lou; Aunts and Uncles – Jeannette (Merrill), Norman ((Nan), Bert (Laurie), Mildred (John), Darlene, Marilyn, and Don; Cousins Sonia, Wally, Ellen, Dale and Larry.
He survived by his loving mother, Marva and stepfather Ed; step siblings Kim (Pete) and Kirk; cousins Bob (Ruth), Joe (Teresa), David (Becky) and Adrian; Philip (Patrice), Greg, Barbara and Eric; Glen (Susie), Marilyn, Brent (Linda); Debbie (Jesse), Pam and Peggy; Victoria (Steven), Frankie (Eric), Cliff (Barbie) and Tina (Donny); as well as his beloved dachshund, Andy.
Bill’s music and life have touched the hearts of countless people, as well as his family and close friends. His memory and music will be carried in their hearts forever. Billy, we love you and we will miss you dearly! Till we cross over and meet again, we will remember the words of your song, Visiting Hours: “Time is temporary in this world we’re living in, and no one knows the hour when their surf will cease to spin. Sometimes we sit impatiently in the waiting room of life, but the Lord may call you by your name in the middle of the night! Will you be ready when visiting hours are over – for an eternal prescription of His love, sweet love? His precious word will show you the pathway to cross over, and there won’t be no more doctoring when visiting hours are over”.
Bill’s ashes will be laid to rest next to his father and grandparents during a private family burial service.
Gifts of remembrance can be given to the Sevier Animal Care Center, Sevierville, TN
http://www.sevieranimalcarecenter.com or to your local animal shelter.