William James Yates Jr.

Reverend William James Yates, Jr went to be with the Lord on April 2, 2020. Bill passed away unexpectantly but peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Orlando Florida on May 10, 1936. Bill graduated from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach Florida with the class of 1955. He was one of the first Eagle Scouts in the state of Florida, and was also in Order Of The Arrow and became a Scout Master at the age of 19. Bill married his beloved wife of 63 years, Joy Henderson Yates in July of 1956, after a brief courtship following Joys high school graduation from Mainland High School. Bill was working at Pye Barker Welding Supply at the time he felt called into full time ministry. At age 32 Bill began his college education at Warner Southern College in Lake Wales FL preparing him for pastoral ministry. He pastored several churches in his 33 years of ministry and his heartbeat was for the Lord. He truly loved being a pastor and serving those in his congregations. He served as youth counselor during multiple summer camps, as well as holding many revival services throughout his ministry. In his younger years as a pastor, Bill coached high school basketball for the christian schools his children attended. He not only had the privilege of coaching his own children but also touched the lives of many young people , as this was an extension of his heart for the Lord. Bill and his wife Joy lived in Stockbridge GA for the last 30 years where he pastored Southside Chapel Church of God, until retiring at age 65. Bill had an outgoing personality and never met a stranger or passed up an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had such a fun sense of humor and laughed at his own corny jokes, which his kids and grandkids found so endearing. Bill enjoyed tinkering on small projects and accumulating fun gadgets around the house, which earned him the nickname from his kids “Pastor Gadget.” Bill is survived by his wife Joy and their four children: Sheryl Yates Davis (Paul); Rowan James Yates (Janice); Kevin James Yates (Susan); Sharonda Yates Vaughn (Gary); two sisters in law, Judy Henderson Guthrie (Glenn); Janice Henderson Shafer (Paul); one brother in law Randy Henderson (Heather). Bill also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Bill dearly loved the Lord, his wife and children and would tell anyone who would listen about all of them. Bill lead a life well lived, leaving a legacy of faith for his family to follow in. His family will have a celebration of life in the near future and will be announced at a later date.