Billy "Bill" K. Yates

Billy “Bill” Kelvin Yates, 89, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered his eternal home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 8, 1936, in McCool, Mississippi, to Kelley and Lucille (Milner) Yates. Bill grew up attending public school and graduated from Ethel High School in Ethel, Mississippi. Bill proudly served as a member of the United States Air Force from June 6, 1954, to October 1, 1957, ultimately receiving an honorable discharge. He married the forever love of his life, Carol Lorraine Campbell on May 18, 1957, in the midst of a flood, in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. The guests and wedding party, along with the bride, were flown in by helicopter thanks to Carol’s sweet daddy, Roy. Together they shared a beautiful life full of love and complete devotion. This May would have been their 68th wedding anniversary. In 1961, Bill graduated from Central State College in Edmond, OK, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. His professional career included work with the IRS, Milner Enterprises, and operating and owning several auto dealerships, Bill Yates Pontiac and Bill Yates Buick. In 1992, Bill partnered with his son, Darrell and together they owned and operated Yates Auto Mall in Tahlequah. Bill retired in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication in the automotive industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was an avid golfer, water skier, and a skilled pilot of his Cessna. He cherished coaching little league at the Ft. Smith Arkansas Boys Club, traveling with his beloved wife, and attending his grandchildren’s sports and other events. Bill was also a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where his faith was a cornerstone of his life after having accepted Christ as Lord as a young man. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kelley and Lucille Yates, and his daughter, Cynthia Ann Yates. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Yates, of the home; son, Darrell Yates and wife Kimberly of Muskogee; daughter, Teresa Gandara and husband Danny of Choctaw; son, Jeff Yates and wife Shawna of Bixby; grandchildren, Austin Yates and wife Jessica of Jenks, Zach Yates of Tulsa, Jordan Jones and husband Clayton of Richardson, TX, Taylor Stallard and husband Chas of Choctaw, Jake Gandara of OKC, Allison Yates, and Camille Yates, both of Edmond; great-grandchildren, Rilynn, Kynnli, Aubrie, and Carter Yates, and Cal Stallard; along with other family members and many friends. Bill Yates will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his community, and his passion for adventure. A celebration of life for Bill will be at 3PM, Monday, April 14, 2025 at Muskogee First Baptist Church with Rev. Danny Gandara officiating. ** Interment for Bill will be held at 10AM, Monday, April 14, 2025, at Kingfisher Cemetery in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

Billy "Bill" K. Yates

February 8, 1936 - April 9, 2025