William Bruce Young was born on December 26, 1947, in Mecklenburg County, to the late Mary Lee Kirk Young and John Lee Young. William was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System and grew up in Pineville, North Carolina where he was given and affectionately called by his nickname "Dude" by family and childhood friends.

William was a great uncle, wonderful friend, and outstanding church member who took pride in serving our country in the Vietnam War as a US Army soldier. After discharge, William gave his life to Christ and became a soldier in God's army! William made it a point to right all the wrongs with all friends and family and was truly an amazing example of how God works.

Dude had a heart of gold and would give you his last. He believed in checking in on his family making sure the family had what they needed. He enjoyed and looked forward to the laughs and conversations at all the family gatherings. Evening if you didn't see him, you knew he was there when you head his distinct whistle as he entered a room. Knowing Dude was to know he could not sit still, and he was going to find something to do,  whether it was servicing his church as a member of the Usher Board, going fishing, cutting grass on his neighborhood block, driving the neighbors to the doctor, or eating as his favorite diners. Just like the hats he wore every day; he stayed on top of things.

Williams will be treasured, remembered, and missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Ann Young; four brothers, John Robert Young, Kenneth Young, Robert Lee Young, Sr., and Albert Eugene Young; one niece, Teresa Fetterson, and one nephew, Robert Lee Young, Jr.

Those left to cherish his memories are Sylvia Cummings (Reginald) and Zenitria Morris (Jesse, Jr); two sisters-in-law, Maggie Young and Vivian Young; two aunts, Joanne Young and Margaret Lee Young and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.