William David Young

William David Young was born to William Henry Young, Jr., and Dora Mae (Mills) on August 8, 1956 in Winchester, Kentucky. He was affectionately known as Bill in his professional life and David by his family and friends. As part of a military family, David’s early years were spent in Athens Greece, Sacramento, California, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. David’s family eventually relocated to Whitsett, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Frazier High School with the Class of 1974, and went on to graduate from Penn State University. It was Elder Fletcher Carr who encouraged him to attend Bible Colleges. Bill attended Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, founded by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin. He attended in 1981 and 1982.

He became a Credentialed Minister with Rhema Ministerial Association International (RMAI) in 1986. When he returned, Pastor Bill worked right alongside Elder Fletcher Carr. He highly esteemed Pastor Carr and thought of him as a spiritual dad and mentor. Pastor Carr always directed him to the Word. No matter the situation, Bill’s questions was “What does the Word say about it?” Between 1988 and 2003, Pastor Bill and Pastor John Thomas carried Mt. Zion when Pastor Carr became ill. Pastor Bill left Mt Zion when he was led to take over Mt Gerizim Christian Center in Erie, PA, for Pastor Aubrey Favors. May 5, 1979, Bill married Peggie Ann Carr. Bill and Peggie had three children, David Joseph, Victoria Dianah and Sarah K. Young. Bill was dedicated to teaching God’s Word and led a dynamic congregation at Mt. Gerizim. Bill used his platform to support Erie youth outside of Sunday school and reached a worldwide audience through his online ministry. Bill held various management positions with the Hallman Auto Group in Erie, PA, from the 1990s until his retirement in 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggie and his daughter Victoria in February, 2012. Bill’s heart and path led him to ask Valerie Horton-Brown for her hand in marriage December 22, 2012. They were wed on June 21, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, PA. They were a powerful team leading Mt. Gerizim and doing God’s work.

Bill ‘s lifelong love for fishing moved him to charter fishing boats for his friends in ministry and relatives. He also had a love for Presque Ilse sunsets, animals and cars.

Bill’s memory will be cherished by his loving wife Valerie, son David (Jen) Young of Sewickley, PA, daughter Sarah Young of Philadelphia, PA, sister Beverly Homapoor of Penn Hills, PA, brother Rodney (Laura) Young of Cartago, Costa Rica, stepsons Julian Brown and Dean-Michael Brown of Erie, PA, stepdaughter Glory Brown of Detroit, Michigan, a host of grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather for the visitation on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. 7th Street, Erie, PA. A Celebration of Life to honor Bill’s life and ministry will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 am, with Internment at the Wintergreen Gorge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., 602 W. 10th St., Erie.

Pastor John Thomas, Officiant

Pastor Clifton T. Martin, Eulogist