Thomas Sloan Young IV—Sloan to everyone who knew him—died at home in Kingsland, Georgia, on September 6, 2026, at the age of 80.

Sloan was born in New York City and spent his childhood on the move, first to New Orleans and then to Memphis, where he would remain throughout his formative years and much of his adult life. A member of Memphis University School's class of 1964, Sloan went on to earn his bachelor's degree in psychology at Rhodes College—Southwestern, as it was known in his day—and his PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at what was then Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis. This educational background, in combination with clinical training as a therapist, led him to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Behavioral Health in Memphis. After many years in Memphis, Sloan moved to Florida in the 1990s, first to St. Petersburg and then to Brooksville. It was in Florida that he met his wife Becky (Rebecca), at Weeki Wachee Springs, where she had been a mermaid. They made their home in Brooksville together, before moving to Kingsland, Georgia three years ago. Sloan was brilliant, charming, and mischievously funny. His curiosity never let up; he stayed thirsty for knowledge and understanding to the end of his life. He was a voracious reader with several books going at once. A Pulitzer Prize winner, a history of the Second World War, and a Jack Reacher novel could all be open at the same time. His intelligence, creativity, and humor also characterized his parenting. He did not bore his children with well-worn nursery books at bedtime. Instead they got true “Life Stories” from his own experiences, complete with sound effects of fake ambulances, cartwheeling schoolyard bullies, and much else. He followed every sport. He doted on his cats. He was a proud grandfather. And he loved weather, checking the forecast every day in each city where his children lived, so that he always knew exactly what kind of day they were having.

Sloan is survived by his wife, Rebecca Young; his brother, Patrick Young; his children, Kristin Young (Ryan), Jesse Young (Angela), and Alison Trahe (John); and his grandchildren, Ethan, Anya, Madison, and Abigail.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Young.

A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 2:00 p.m. at King of Peace Episcopal Church in Kingsland, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of Camden County.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.