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Obituary

William J. Young, 75, pioneering physician

One of the first doctors to work at the hospital that became Morton Plant North Bay, he became its chief of staff.

By Times Staff Writer
Published May 20, 2005

NEW PORT RICHEY - It is hard to imagine these days as western Pasco County is home to three large hospitals and dozens of doctors, but in 1966, community leaders had to recruit physicians to staff the first hospital, a new 50-bed facility in New Port Richey.

A young doctor from Alabama, William Joseph Young, answered the call and over the years made a big impact on his adopted community. He became chief of staff at West Pasco Hospital, now known as Morton Plant North Bay, and served as the county coroner and Justice of the Peace.

Dr. Young died Monday (May 16, 2005) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center. He was 75.

"He could come across as rough, but you couldn't find anyone more compassionate and caring," said friend John Grey, a longtime real estate agent in New Port Richey. "He'd take care of anybody, any time, whether they had money or not. He came straight to your home if necessary, even if it was a Sunday night. It didn't matter."

Dr. Young closed his practice about 10 years ago and moved back to Alabama. He was born in Lockhart, Ala.

Dr. Young was a member of the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association and the American Board of Abdominal Surgeons. He is survived by his wife, Linda C. Young of New Port Richey; sons William B. Young, MD, of New Port Richey, and Bart B. Young, MD, of Marion, Ala.; and a daughter, Tara L. Gould of Miami.

Visitation has been scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. today at North Meadowlawn Funeral Home at 4244 Madison St., New Port Richey. A service is scheduled for noon Saturday in the North Meadowlawn chapel.

[Last modified May 20, 2005, 01:06:18]