Longtime Athens veterinarian Bruce Nelson Young passed away Friday, April 17, 2009, at the age of 63.

Dr. Young was born Oct. 28, 1945, the son of the late William B. and Katherine Nelson Young, and the grandson of the late Bruce and Sophie D. Nelson of Athens, and the late Fred H. and Sarah L. Young of South Carolina. He was a lifelong resident of Athens and Limestone County.

He is survived in death by his sister, Katherine “Kay” Young of Athens; his uncle, Edward Young, former congressman of South Carolina; and numerous cousins who were part of his extended family. He is also survived by his special friend, Pam Tucker. He will be remembered by a large number of friends and colleagues who loved him.

Dr. Young attended Athens High School, where he played high school football. He was elected captain of the football team and unanimously chosen as student body president during his senior year.

He attended Tulane University from 1964-1968 where he also played football, in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology. He enrolled at Auburn University in 1969 and graduated from the veterinary school in 1975 as a doctor of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Young knew at an early age that he wanted to do two things: fly and airplane and become a veterinarian. He accomplished both goals.

He practiced veterinary medicine in Athens for 33 years, first at Eastside Animal Hospital before the facility was destroyed by fire, and later at the office known as the Plunk Animal Hospital, where he worked until his latest illness.

Until his most recent illness, Dr. Young was a licensed pilot and owned an airplane that he loved to fly, whether visiting his extended family in South Carolina, or attending sporting events all over the country.

He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church and a Rotarian for many years.

A graveside funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Athens City Cemetery with Arvid McGuire and Penny Laubenthal officiating. Limestone Chapel Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Humane Society of Limestone County, P.O. Box 1699, Athens, AL 35612.