Lake Martin, AL. - Alva William "Bill" Yates III, age 73, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Bill was a 1968 graduate of Sylacauga High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Mindy, in 1971 and they started their life together in Auburn, Alabama where Bill worked in the family business. They later moved to LaGrange, GA where they raised their boys and ultimately built their family home at Lake Martin.
During his years at Auburn, he was affectionately known as “Rowdy” Yates but his grandchildren and all their friends lovingly knew him as “Daddy Bill”. His friendly disposition crafted a nickname for everyone and his passion for his family and a good laugh were always evident. His seat at his grandchildren’s sporting events and recitals will be missed but his spirit lives on in each of those he touched.
Bill was a member of the Katharine Cooper Cater Circle of the Foy Society benefitting Auburn University. He was also an Auburn Alumni Association Lifetime Member.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mindy Colvard Yates; two sons, William Frank Yates (Terri Chappell), Thomas Anderson (Megan Pollard); five grandchildren, Madeleine Chappell Yates, Gracie Katherine Yates, Mason Anderson Yates, Elizabeth Reese Yates, Thomas Beau Yates; sister, Ellen Yates Little (Jerrell); brother, David Pinnell Yates(Ashley); sister-in-law, Beth Colvard Morrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Alva Jr. & Martha Yates.
A visitation for Bill will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul Blair officiating. Afterwards a celebratory reception will be held at the Harvey's on Nobel @ 280 N Anniston Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to:
Sylacauga City Schools Foundation
43 North Broadway Avenue
Sylacauga, AL 35150
or
Children’s Harbor
434 Children’s Harbor Drive
Eclectic, AL 36024
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.
