Blessed to have lived 92 years, and blessed to have shared 71 of those with his devoted wife, William Heywood Younger died Monday, May 7, 2018, following a long period of failing health. He loved life and he loved people. For them, he always had time to joke or to “remember when.”
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he called North Carolina home. His parents, Florence and Giles Younger, had a job transfer to Selma. There Heywood grew, joined the church, and was educated. Shortly after his graduation, he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Force. His training took him to many states with a final location overseas in Germany with the occupation duty forces.
Mr. Younger’s 35 year service with Southern Bell Telephone Company began shortly after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force. He came from Raleigh to Fourth and Princess as a toll test man in 1947 and immediately became involved in his community.
Heywood’s love of sports played a major role in his life. He spent many years assisting with the football program at New Hanover High School. Later, he became an assistant coach at Laney and then at South Brunswick. Football dominated cold weather months.
During baseball season, Mr. Younger was involved with American Legion baseball and also Winter Park Optimist Little League, where he also served as club president and tournament director. In his sports activities, he made friends with coaches and young athletes, friends who he treasured.
One of the first things the Youngers did when they moved to Wilmington in 1947 was to join Grace United Methodist Church, where they became active members. Over the years, Mr. Younger served two terms as a trustee, worked with Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, and was a longtime usher.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Renfrow Younger; beloved cat; only sister, Peggy Lewis, and her husband, Elmer; nieces, nephews and cousins; and his extended family of much-loved friends and neighbors. Those who knew him, judged Heywood one of a kind. He will be missed.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at Grace United Methodist Church. Entombment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to services at the church.
Memorial donations may be sent to Grace United Methodist Church or to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
