William "Bill" P. Yates, 76, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024 at Mercy House of the Southern Tier after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was born on April 19, 1948, in Binghamton, New York. He was predeceased by his parents, William O. and Veva M. Yates, sisters, Wanda Truesdell, Sharon Norton, Marjorie Paugh, and Marilyn Wickwire. He is survived by his son, William C. (Lori) Yates and his daughter, Christine Yates, a sister Barbara Parker, a granddaughter Alison and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Bill graduated from Binghamton North High School and later attended The King’s College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After completing college, he worked for the New York State Department of Labor for many years, ultimately earning the title of Supervising Labor Services Representative. He retired from state service at the age of 55 and spent many years enjoying his favorite activities, including fishing, hunting, gardening, and frequenting nearby casinos. He made many good friends over the years. Bill was gifted with a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, talents he often employed to lift the spirits of others and make them laugh. He was also an incredibly intelligent man. There was little need for an encyclopedia or a dictionary when Bill was around.
Bill was a very active and supportive member of the Outdoors Forever Sports Club of South Otselic, holding many leadership positions within the club over the years including that of president. He was always willing to assist with the maintenance of the club’s hunting cabin and property and could be found cooking for the entire club during hunting season. Like his father before him, Bill was passionate about fishing whether from a boat or along the shore. He also loved to care for his garden, using the vegetables he grew to prepare delicious meals that he was quick to share with others around him.
At the family’s request, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier located at 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY, 13760, in recognition for and appreciation of the incredible love and care they showed him during his final days on earth.
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