Yates, Bill J.     

Bill Yates, 76, of Gilmer, Texas, went to heaven on July 28, 2006. Mr. Yates was born September 17, 1929, in Quinlan, Texas. He has resided in Gilmer for the past eight years and spent most of his life in Lewisville, Texas. Mr. Yates served our country as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and earned a Bronze Star and three other medals during this time. He later retired from Westinghouse of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Yates is survived by his son, David Wayne Yates and wife, Karla, of Scurry; daughter, Helen Ruth Yates of Lewisville; daughter-in-law, Rita L. Snowden of Gilmer; sister, Mary Helen Ryan of Virginia; brother, George Yates of Irving; grandchildren, Stephanie Lloyd and husband, Phillip, of Denton, Jamie West and husband, Jeremy, of Lewisville, William G. Yates of Lewisville, John Riley, Garrett & Tracer Yates, all of Scurry, Rip Morris of Lewisville, Tarrah Neese and husband, Jonathan, of Plano, Jerri Dunham and husband, Spencer, of Longview, Jessi Perot and husband, Justin, of Avinger, and Rachel Snowden of Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Shawn Michael, Tyler, Kiersten, Dakota, Andrew, Brianna, Elissa, Alexus, Spencer Jr. and Mackenzie; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee Yates; son, Michael Snowden; brothers, Paul D. Yates and William T. "Shorty" Yates; father and mother, William B. and Mary Ethel Yates; granddaughter, Brandie Ward; and great-grandson, Micheal Ray Perot. Pop loved being retired, his cigars, a banged up old Ford pickup and being able to go eat lunch at his favorite cafeĢ everyday, but mostly his family. He loved and cared for his family in ways only a family member could ever explain, and when he could no longer care for them or himself, they then cared for him and fulfilled a promise made many years ago. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts. A special to thanks to Greater Hospice and especially his nurse, B.J., for all the care, compassion and concern she showed to him and all of his family during his last days; she has become a very important influence to our family forever. Thanks to Pastor Wayne McKay for his spiritual guidance, Shelia and Janet for being there with support and guidance, and also Ricky Morris for the numerous hours and days that he gave to our family in support.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 7/31/2006.