Veteran TV, Radio Executive Bill Young Passes

Radio and television entreprenuer Bill Young passed away on May 31, 2014 after a lifelong battle with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. In addition to an award-winning radio career, he directed numerous Country music videos and television commercials.

According to his obituary, Young was born in Honey Grove, Texas, on November 29, 1939. His radio career began in high school and spanned almost three decades, including 15 years at KILT-AM & FM in Houston. He was named National Program Director of the Year in the Gavin Poll and was a five-time winner of Billboard’s top major-market programmer honor. In 2002 Young was among the original class of inductees into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

Young directed over 100 music videos for artists including George Strait, Clay Walker, Clint Black and Billy Dean. He directed the first concert filmed in HD when he shot the George Strait Festival at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Bill Young Productions, launched in 1981, grew to produce over 50,000 completed commercials a year, for clients including Chevy Trucks, Wrangler, Exxon and GMA.
In 1996 Young sold the majority of his company to a group that included key employees, but remained active in many of the company’s projects.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years Sharon, sons Eric E. Young (Sarah) and William Scott Young, grandchildren and others.
A memorial service will be held at Second Baptist Church in Houston on Saturday, June 7 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation at www.alpha-1foundation.org or to the charity of your choice.