WILLIAM HENRY YATES

Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do…William Henry Yates lived by these core values of the United States Air Force. 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. He resided in Northern Virginia since 1983, after spending most of his career overseas.

He was called Henry in his youth, but his friends and close acquaintances throughout his career affectionately knew him as Bill. Born in Birchleaf to Arthur Yates and Anna Lee Sykes, he grew up in Dickenson County and graduated from Haysi High School in 1968.

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.

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, and taught them how to fish, hunt and live off the land.

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. A military burial at Quantico National Cemetery will be held next year. Please visit https://obituaries.virginiacremate.com/obituaries/chantilly-va/william-yates-11901625 for more information.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of heartfelt messages and the support of dear friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org.