William "Bill" Henry Yates

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do

…these core values of the United States Air Force were what Bill Yates lived by. He proudly served the Department of Defense for 41 years: 16 of his 24 years in the Air Force stationed in Asia and in Europe; and the remainder in civil service with the United States Army following military retirement.

Bill was selfless. He was a man of scruples, straightforward in his approach, and guided by fair principles. He poured 200% into everything he did. Successful accomplishment for Bill was the result of doing things right and doing things well. He firmly believed that courtesy, kindness and respect for humankind were the keys to harmony and happiness.

A native of Virginia, Bill grew up in the mountains of the southwest region of the state in a coal mining and farming community among a close knit extended family centered around his parents and three siblings. He was very close to his older brother, Lonnie Yates. Bill volunteered for the Vietnam War not just to serve his country, but to preclude Lonnie, newly married with an infant, from being sent to the war zone. He was first in line to be tested when Lonnie needed a kidney transplant. Over the years, he readily flew home from overseas assignments to support his parents and siblings in their time of need.

His wife and two sons always came first. A great guy all around, Bill was a lot of fun to date and the ideal husband to raise a family together. For Stella, he was her knight in shining armor, truly her better half. For James and Nick, Bill was an exemplary parent and the best friend a guy could have. He coached the teams they played in youth sports.

Bill was a skilled billiards player and athletically gifted. As an avid golfer, Bill loved the game more than anything, winning champion trophies in military and international tournaments. Travels to Europe twice a year with Stella always included a round of golf, giving him much joy before dialysis restricted his mobility. Bill remained independent and active despite declining health. He never lost his smile and can-do attitude.

William Henry Yates is survived by wife Stella Colucci, sons James Blake (Jessica) and Nicholas Yates (Anna), sister Bessie Edwards (Scott), grandchildren Carter Blake and Olivia Yates. The family will take him home prior to a military burial at Quantico National Cemetery later. A party to celebrate Bill’s 75th birthday on October 11th is being planned. Please look for future announcements to honor his presence among us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of heartfelt messages and the support of dear friends.