William Young
Feb. 8, 1943-Nov. 5, 2014
Palo Alto, California

Willie Young was born in East Chicago, Indiana, to William Marcus Young III and Flora Azaleen Hood. He was a singer and athlete in high school. He received his B.A. from Kentucky State University and his M.A. from Murray State University. He majored in health, physical education and recreation, and also special education at San Francisco State University. After coaching at Central State University in Ohio, he came to California to coach at City College of San Francisco. Willie coached and taught on the Peninsula for years and then moved to teach in Oakland. For the last 15 years he loved working at Montera Middle School in Montclair where he taught sixth grade physical education. Willie was also the owner and coach of Palo Alto Lightning running club for over 20 years. His runners were his pride and joy, and he took runners to the National Junior Olympics almost every season. He also coached his own kids in Palo Alto in baseball, basketball and soccer.

Willie met his wife Katie when they were teaching together in Daly City in 1979. They were married for 27 years, and he is survived by his wife, Katie, and their children, Sarah, Marcus and Adam. Willie is also survived by his daughter, Monique, and her husband Oscar Wash, and their children, Matthew and Ashleigh; son, Russell Young, and his sons, Shiloh and Nathaniel; and daughter, Nedra Dickerson and her son Aaron. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Young, and his wife Maxine. Willie will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and his extended family. Willie is missed by his many friends, colleagues and students. Willie will be remembered by the generations of athletes whom he inspired.

Tags: teacher/educator, sports