William Dean Vaughn was born on July 12, 1992, at Sunnyside Community Hospital to Jeffrey Dean & Kathy Vaughn. He grew up in the lower valley, attending Prosser High School, where he graduated in 2010. After high school, William attended Yakima Valley Community College and Washington State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration & Finance. During his high school years, William was always at the gym and loved the seriously competitive racquetball games with his mom.
William met his partner, Chris, in 2015. Chris was beyond supportive when William found his true calling as a realtor. William and Chris began “flipping” houses. William enjoyed remodeling historic homes in the Barge-Chestnut neighborhood of Yakima. He was also involved with Rotaract and New Leaders of Yakima County.
William was the true definition of wanderlust. He enjoyed hiking, camping and traveling the world. He spent a lot of time exploring the Pacific Northwest. His favorite trip was to Paris and he couldn’t wait to go back. William soaked up the art and culture, everywhere he went. He recently visited New York City with his mom and grandma, where they created memories, laughing, eating, drinking, shopping, and exploring the city.
He spent time at the gym and was passionate about health and fitness. William also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially hanging out by the pool, sipping a Mimosa. William also developed a special relationship with Chris’ children, Luke and Liam. They spent their days together playing video games, eating Saturday morning pancakes, and building sandcastles in the San Juan Islands. William loved life and was always looking forward to his next adventure.
William is survived by his partner, Chris Rankin and his children, Luke and Liam. He will be missed eternally by his mother, Kathy Vaughn and her partner, Dalleri Olels. He leaves behind his father, Jeffrey Vaughn and two uncles, Rob Vaughn and wife Laura, and Franky Vaughn, all of the Tri-Cities. William is also survived by his maternal Grandmother, “Gram”, Anna Garman. The two of them had a very special relationship. “Billy” was the apple of her eye. He is also survived by his paternal grandparents, Jefferson and Pauline Vaughn of Pasco. He will be missed by his special “Auntie and Uncle”, James and Gloria Wallace of Parker. William was preceded in death by his “Poppy”, Robert Garman.
Graveside Services will be held at Zillah Cemetery on Monday, November 5th at noon, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Gilbert Cellars Tasting Room in Yakima.
