Willie Calton Yates

Willie Calton Yates, 98, died Wednesday, November 30, 2022. He was married to Burnes Dale Yates for almost 65 years until her death in 2009. Willie was a long-time resident of Fort Smith and was retired from Smith Chevrolet.

Willie was most proud of his service in the US Navy. He was a World War II veteran and served aboard the USS Baltimore for three years. During his service he fought in nine of the eleven major battles in the Pacific.

Willie was a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a great storyteller and a lovely, funny man who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his son Reggie Yates and his wife Julie, of Plano, TX and granddaughter, Annie Landry and her husband Chris, of Olympia, WA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, with military honors. Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home.

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Willie Calton Yates, 98, died Wednesday, November 30, 2022. He was married to Burnes Dale Yates for almost 65 years until her death in 2009. Willie was a long-time resident of Fort Smith and was retired from Smith Chevrolet.

Willie was most proud of his service in the US Navy. He was a World War II veteran and served aboard the USS Baltimore for three years. During his service he fought in nine of the eleven major battles in the Pacific.

Willie was a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a great storyteller and a lovely, funny man who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his son Reggie Yates and his wife Julie, of Plano, TX and granddaughter, Annie Landry and her husband Chris, of Olympia, WA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, with military honors. Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home.