Colin Rodney Young (1943-2023)

Colin Rodney Young, husband of Loril Higgins Young, passed away on October 29 after a lengthy illness. Born on November 22, 1943, in the hills of Hatfield, KY, he was the second son of John Pinson Young and Virginia Christine Deskins Young. After earning a baccalaureate in mathematics from Pikeville College and his master's degree in applied mathematics from Eastern Kentucky University, he pursued doctoral studies at Rutgers University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of South Carolina. Colin began his professional career as a mathematics teacher and adjunct professor at two of his alma maters — Belfry High School and Pikeville College, respectively.

A career shift to human resources brought him to Georgetown, SC, in the early 1970s. As personnel director for Georgetown Steel Corporation, Colin was instrumental in founding the Georgetown Kraft Credit Union; however, his love for teaching quickly led him back to the classroom. A longtime member of Georgetown High School's math department, Colin established the county's first Advanced Placement calculus program, coached both the boys' and girls' golf and basketball teams, and was twice voted Teacher of the Year by his peers. A beloved and innovative educator who made algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus relatable for all of his students, Colin maintained his mathematics faculty position with Coastal Carolina University for nearly 40 years.

A proud resident of Georgetown, Colin remained committed to public service, receiving commendations for chairing the Georgetown County Higher Education Commission and First Baptist Church School Board, as well as for distinguished service to our nation's Selective Service Committee. An ordained deacon at First Baptist Church and dedicated Sunday School teacher, in his later years he attended worship at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. A true family man who adored spending time with his children and grandchildren, Colin was also a Freemason, Kentucky Colonel, avid poker player, and tri-sport athlete in baseball, basketball, and golf, which he loved playing at Wedgefield Country Club.

Preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Ronald Young, Colin is survived by his wife; three sons, Kenley (Shelley), Logan (Christin), and Kaith (Erin) Young; three grandchildren, Declan, Delaney, and Leah Young; one niece, Robyn (Brian) Morrison and their children, Kayne and Scarlett; a special cousin, Douglas (Betty) Young, who was like a brother; several other cousins, nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law, including Karen Price and her children Leslie (Lorne) and John (Becky) Price and their daughter, Bailey — all of whom held a cherished place in Colin's life.

A memorial service will be held at Duncan Methodist Church in Georgetown, SC, at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 2. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at Duncan's Family Life Center at 10 a.m.

The Young family wishes to thank Crescent Hospice (Devon, Dana, and René, especially) for the expert care given to Colin in his final weeks. Memorials may be given to Helping Hands of Georgetown (1813 Highmarket St.), South Carolina Junior Golf Association (7451 Irmo Drive, Columbia, SC 29212), Duncan Methodist Church's Music Ministry (901 Highmarket St.), or the charity of one's choice.

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.