William Gerald (Jerry) Young, age 78 of Memphis, TN, and formerly of Greenville, MS, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026 in Memphis, TN at his residence.

Mr. Young was born February 24, 1948 in Greenville at the King's Daughters Hospital to Ruth Elizabeth Sanders Young and Dudley Isaac Young, Jr. Jerry was graduated from Greenville High School in 1966, received his
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, and his Master of Arts degree in 1974 from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Young was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Jerry's primary employment was as Director of Alcohol and Drug Programs for the former Delta Community Mental Health Services. In retirement Mr. Young was able to fully enjoy his love of ornamental gardening and to devote himself to animal welfare, especially to caring for and assisting homeless or at risk felines.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rebecca Sanders Young Moody. He is survived by his niece Elizabeth Gay Moody Standley and her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Jay Standley of Starkville, MS, and their two children (Jerry's great nieces) Skyler Miller - and Hailey Miller.

Following cremation Mr. Young's ashes and those of his parents will be scattered together in a private ceremony by family members.

There will be no public service. Memorials may be made to a humane organization of the donor's choice.