Winfrey "WJ" Joy Yates

W.J. spent his childhood in Direct, Texas. He married Barbara Moody on December 27, 1958, whom he met at church in January of 1957, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He retired from Lone Star Gas Company after 30 years as a meter reader and supervisor, then after working at Albertsons as the “Cookie Man” he retired in the late 90’s, and then retired from ProPath Laboratories in 2008 as a courier for doctors. He was also a member of Robinson Road Church of Christ.

W.J. loved watching Westerns, tinkering on tractors, spending time with family, walking everywhere, and talking to anyone. Throughout his life, he met many people who came to know him by many names: Winfrey, Wimp, W.J., Papa, Poppy, Pops, the Cookie Man, and many, many more.

W.J. was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Nell Yates of 60 years; parents, Elbert Joy Yates and Opal Cleo Copening Yates; brothers, Jackie Yates and J.C. Yates; sister-in-law, Pat Yates; brother-in-law, Joe Mauney; and a host of aunts and uncles.

W.J. is lovingly survived by: two children Phyllis (Donald) Graves and Harold (Wendy) Yates; four grandchildren Deryk (Adrian) Graves, Bryan Graves, Amanda Yates, and William Yates; four great-grandchildren Rhylan Graves, Iverson "Ivy" Graves, Loki Yates, and Asher Vogal; three siblings Earnest (Patsy) Yates, Laverne (Norman) Shannon, and Doris Mauney; and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service for W.J. will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, 2951 S Belt Line Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052. An additional time for family and friends will follow the service from 12:00PM to 2:00PM. Afterward, family and friends are invited to gather at Phyllis’ home, 1510 Mobile Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beanmasseyburge.com for the Yates family.