Alfred Byron Young

1939 - 2025

Alfred Byron Young

November 6, 1939 - January 31, 2025

Westerville, Ohio - Dr. Alfred Byron Young, 85, died peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2025, in Westerville, Ohio. He was born in Richmond, Ky., in 1939, and grew up in Richmond, Somerset, Ky., and Mt. Vernon, Ill. Byron attended Transylvania University, where he fell in love with Judy Young, and they married in 1962. After graduating from the second medical school class in University of Kentucky history in 1965, Byron completed his residency in neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University. He was drafted into the United States Army and served two years in Seoul and El Paso, before beginning his career as a professor of neurosurgery at UK in 1975. At UK, he chaired the departments of neurosurgery and surgery, and then served as Chief of Staff of the Hospital and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs of the Medical School. Byron's research on brain injury and stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors, among other topics, won numerous research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also served on the Council of the NIH Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as well as the Advisory Committee to the Director of the NIH. He received the MaHaley Award for brain tumor research from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Byron retired from UK in 2012.

A longtime member of Transylvania's board of trustees, Byron was recognized for his many philanthropic efforts with an honorary degree, the Irvin Lunger Award, and the Morrison Medallion. Since 2015, the Judy Gaines Young Literary Award has honored an outstanding work of Appalachian literature each year. Byron enjoyed running, participating in the Bluegrass 10,000 for many years, and his extensive travels throughout the world.

Byron is survived by his sons, Alex Young of Chicago and John Young of Westerville, Ohio; their spouses, Benya Young and Alexandra Bradner; his grandchildren, Aidan and Madelyn Young and Vivian and Miranda Bradner-Young; his brothers Steve and David Stout of Mt. Vernon, Ill., along with David's spouse Sarah and sons Matthew and Josh; and the love of his later life, Martha Billips of Lexington, with whom he lived happily for several years. He is preceded in death by his father, Carlos Young; mother, Margaret Stout; sister, Pat Ellis; and spouse, Judy Young. He was a devoted father and grandfather.

The family will hold a private memorial. Donations in Byron's memory may be made to the Judy Gaines Young Literary Award at Transylvania University, and mailed to: Advancement Office, Transylvania University, 300 North Broadway Street, Lexington KY, 40508.