William B. Yates Jr.

William B. Yates, Jr. “Bill” better known as “Mr. Bill” to his young friends, of Centreville died peacefully at his daughter’s home with his family on Sunday, September 17, 2006. He was 95 years old. Born July 18, 1911 near Centreville, MD, he was the son of the late William Bedford and Minnie Taylor Yates. He graduated from Centreville High School in 1929. He was voted the “Boy Most Likely To Succeed.” As a young man, he assisted his father on the family farm. He then became interested in the food business, which became his career of over 30 years. He worked for a short time for Callahan’s Appliances Store in Centreville and Glenn R. Martin in Baltimore. While living in Baltimore, he worked for R. Grande Food Store, IGA Crooks, American Stores and A & P. In 1942 he went in the Army, serving in Japan and Hawaii. Upon returning home in 1946, he went to work as a meat cutter, working in both Delaware and Maryland. He quickly became a meat department manager, and was manager of the meat department at the Kent Island Acme for 25 years. He retired in June, 1974 and went to work part-time at Hillside Market. He married Evelyn Amelia Butler on April 21, 1952. Mrs. Yates passed away on August 21, 1996. Mr. Yates is survived by one daughter, Linda Arlene Yates-Hyde, his son-in-law, Jody Hyde and two grandchildren, Linnea Ashley Lewis and Jason Ross Lewis, all of Centreville. He also has several nieces and nephews. Mr. Yates is preceded in death by four brothers, James Richard Yates, Robert Taylor Yates, Luther Benton Yates and James William Yates; two sisters, Carolyn Elizabeth Carlin and Janet Lea Gutsche. In his younger years, Mr. Yates enjoyed bowling, baseball, crabbing, stock car races and reading detective novels. In later years, he enjoyed his coffee klatch at Hardees. He was a member of the American Legion Jeff Davis Post #18, Centreville High School Alumni Association and the Centreville United Methodist Church. He will be remembered as a true gentleman and one that took great pleasure in helping others. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Yates was blessed with a devoted family and friends. Mr. Yates remained witty and positive throughout his illness. His love of living, his positive attitude and his will to live, will long serve as an inspiration to friends and family. Mr. Yates’ nephews will serve as pallbearers: Donald P. Carlin, Philip Grant Yates, James Brett Yates, Craig Sewell, Jeffrey Sewell and Samuel Kern. Honorary pallbearers are: Milton “Bucky” Tolson, George Starkey and Jack Hollingsworth. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 11 AM at the Centreville United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 6 – 8 PM on Wednesday at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A., Centreville. Burial will be in Chesterfield Cemetery, Centreville, MD. Memorial donations may be made to the Centreville United Methodist Church, 608 Church Hill Road, Centreville, MD.