Harold "Hal" Adams Young

Harold Adams Young, age 87, of Macon, Georgia passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2024 after a long life filled with family, friends, and delightful adventures. A Celebration of his Life will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Snow's Memorial Chapel, 1419 Bass Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, followed by a visitation. Rev. Chip Miller will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry Street, Macon, 31201 or to a charity of your choice.

Hal (Big Dog to most who knew him) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 62 but continued to enjoy hunting, fishing, raising bird dogs and quail, farming, lake life, and telling stories for as long as possible – never once complaining as the disease took its toll.

Hal was born January 4, 1937, to the late Nancy (Whitaker) and William L. (Bill) Young. He spent his childhood in Macon, graduating from Lanier High School in 1955. After high school, he went to Emory University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and met his future wife Gail Merritt. After graduating from Emory in 1959, he joined the Navy. He and Gail married and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where he was served on active duty for two years. He remained in the Navy reserves until his retirement as a Commander in 1990. In addition to his military service, Hal worked for the Georgia Highway Contractor's Association in Atlanta until moving to Macon in 1972 to work for Cornell-Young Company, the family concrete business. Hal was a member of the Macon Civic Club, a Past President of Idle Hour Country Club, a Past President of the Georgia Industrial Children's Home, and a member of First Presbyterian Church.

Big Dog was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He took his daughters on many field trial trips, taught them to fish (and throw rocks) at the Macon Sand Pit, and took his grandchildren on hunting trips even after he was no longer able to participate. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his friends as well – most notably goose-hunting in Pennsylvania and deep-sea fishing in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gail Merritt Young; his daughters Nancy (Kim) Treaster and Julie Wilkerson; five grandchildren – Merritt Treaster, Adam Treaster, John (Stephanie) Wilkerson, Ben Wilkerson, and Virginia Wilkerson; and two great-grandchildren – Hal Wilkerson and Sam Wilkerson. He is also survived by his brother Andy (Pam) Young, and a large extended family, including a village of wonderful caregivers.

Visit www.snowmacon.com to express tributes.

Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.