1918 - 2005
Businessman.
William T. Young was born on April 15, 1918 in Lexington. After returning from the Army in 1946, Mr. Young established W. T. Young Foods Inc., the producer of the "Big Top" brand of peanut butter. In 1955, he sold the firm to Proctor & Gamble Company, which continues to produce peanut butter in Lexington under the "Jiff" brand name. During 1957, he established W. T. Young Storage (warehouse operator).
In 1966, he was elected Chairman of the Royal Crown Cola Company and served in that position until the sale of the company in 1984. In addition, in 1978 he became the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Humana Hospital Company, being one of the original investors.
Mr. Young served on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank (1955 to 1961) and First Security National Bank (1961 to present). He was active in civic causes, serving for a number of years on the University of Kentucky's and Transylvania University's Boards of Directors. In addition, he served as a director of the Kentucky American Water Company, Lexington Cemetery (Vice Chairman), Humana Inc. and Hardaway Company.
