Delos H Yancey Jr.

Mr. Delos Harley Yancey, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully July 28, 2026, at his home in Rome, Georgia surrounded by loving family. Mr. Yancey was born July 6, 1934, in Atlanta, Georgia, son of Delos Harley Yancey, Sr. and Elizabeth Beauchamp Yancey. Delos lived a life defined by dedication, leadership and service to his family, profession and community. Delos married Martha Joanne Gilreath on December 16, 1952. Their union spanned 59 years and together they cultivated a legacy of love and service that touched countless lives.

A graduate of Smith High School in Atlanta, where he excelled at football, Delos became a prominent leader in the insurance industry. As Chairman, President and CEO of State Mutual Insurance Company, he spearheaded transformative milestones such as merging five mutual companies; acquiring Atlas Life Insurance Company and Home Federal Bank; and co-purchasing Sterling Investor Life Insurance Company. Nationally respected for his expertise, Delos served on the Board of Directors for the American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI), chaired the Executive Round Table, and served on the Board of Governors of the Forum 500. In 1995, he was honored with the ACLI Forum 500 Distinguished Service Award. He also held leadership roles with LIMRA, the Georgia Association of Life Companies and several state guaranty associations. In recent years Delos ventured outside the Insurance Industry acquiring and co-partnering Precision Pump & Controls Inc. and Pinnacle Partners Ventures based in Florida.

Equally devoted to his community, Delos was a steadfast supporter of the YMCA. His contributions included projects such as the Austin Fitness Center and the Yancey Baseball Complex at the YMCA Grizzard Park in Rome. Recognized for his lifelong commitment to the organization, he received the YMCA Lifetime Trustee Award. Alongside Joanne, he co-chaired the Celebration of Hope Gala in 1994, and they were honored with the Heart of the Community Award in 2006. Delos served on the Board of Directors of the United Way and was on the Darlington Board of Trustees and was later made a Lifetime Trustee. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Rome for over 50 years.

Delos treasured his family above all. He was preceded in death by his parents Delos HarleyYancey, Elizabeth Beauchamp Pertile, his stepfather Ray Pertile, his wife Joanne, his sister Rachel Y. Duvall and his grandson, John Michael Lester. He is survived by his three children, Cheryl Yancey, Rome, Cynthia Y. Sonam, Atlanta, and Delos H. Yancey III (Molly), Rome. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Anderson E. Boone, Cameron Y. Boone, Grady Y. Sonam, Hope Y. Sonam, D. Harley Yancey IV (Anna Grace), Dr. Jack F. Yancey (Sara), Mary Morgan Yancey; six great grandchildren, Campbell and Rhea Sonam, Harley and Cooper Yancey, and Fisher and Frances Yancey; nieces Deborah Gilreath, Amy Arthur (Ken), Jan Davison (Tim), Gina Moorhead, Lynn Bradley, Jill Sanders, Lisa Echols and nephew Raymond Duvall; and extended family Alison M. Hudema, Connor Huffman and Ella Kate Hudema and Jimmy McClelland (Brooke) and Perla Palafox. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, inspiring others to live with love and determination.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Rome, located at 100 East Fourth Avenue on Monday August 3rd at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, followed by private entombment at Myrtle Hill Mausoleum. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Grady Sonam, Harley Yancey, Jack Yancey, Anderson Boone, Cameron Boone and Shane Meers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday August 2nd, from 4:00-6:00 at the home of Dee and Molly Yancey, located at 185 Bellemont Drive, SW. Rome Ga.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:

First Baptist Church Rome, PO Box 1189, Rome, GA 30162-1189

Or

Atrium Health Heyman Hospice Care, 420 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 103, Rome, GA 30161.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Atrium Health Heyman Hospice Care, and lovely caregivers Dana Seckinger, Tina Long, Stephanie Buchanon, April Gonzalez, Gabriella Gurrola, Jacklyn Mathis and Sarina Garner.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook.

Daniel’s Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care and services for Mr. Delos Harley Yancey, Jr.