Michael “Mike” Young, 68, of Hamilton, Alabama, passed away on September 10, 2026, at his adopted
home in Riverview, Florida, surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren, and close family friends.
Mike was born on July 7, 1958, at William Beaumont Army Hospital in El Paso, Texas, to Charles Houston
Young and Mary Lou Morrow Young. One of four children, Mike spent part of his childhood traveling with
his family during his father’s Army service. He remembered those years and the places he experienced
with great affection, but he was especially proud to call Hamilton, Alabama, home.
Mike was known for his strong work ethic, practical skill, and readiness to help others. Throughout his life,
he gave generously of his time, energy, knowledge, and resources to friends, neighbors, and family.
Whether it was a small home repair, a major project, or simply encouragement and support when it was
needed, Mike was someone people could count on.
As two of his four grandchildren grew up in the Tampa Bay area, Mike began dividing his time between
Hamilton and Tampa. In Florida, he continued his lifelong tradition of helping and supporting his
community. Most notably, he helped rebuild The Fish House, a local seafood stand in Ruskin, Florida,
after Hurricanes Milton and Helene in 2024.
After receiving a cancer diagnosis in the spring of 2025, Mike moved to Tampa full time to be closer to
family and pursue treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. He fought his illness with the same
determination, toughness, and generous spirit that defined the rest of his life.
Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He found great joy in being “Papaw” to his
grandchildren and in sharing time, work, stories, meals, projects, and everyday moments with those he
loved.
He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Brandon) Smith and Christy (Charles) Whittaker; his sister,
Yvonne Shell; his grandchildren, Natalie, Caleb, Noah, and Colby; and many relatives and friends who
were family to him in every meaningful sense.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Houston Young and Mary Lou Morrow Young, and his
brothers, Steve and Ricky Young.
Mike will be remembered as a man who showed love through action: by fixing what was broken, showing
up when someone needed him, and making room for family, friends, and neighbors in his life. His legacy
will continue in the people he helped, the family he loved, and the many lives made better by his steady
presence.
A funeral service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Nichols Marion
County Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12pm – 2pm with Service to follow at 2:00 p.m.. He will be
interred at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, beside his father. If you wish to attend the funeral service, please
feel free to wear fishing, hunting, or Alabama football attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to share a memory of Mike. You may bring or mail a card
containing your memory, or call Mike’s phone and leave a voicemail that the family can keep and revisit.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may also consider a donation to Moffitt Cancer Center
