Billy Ernest Yates died peacefully in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 27, 2017 at the age of 72. He was born on September 17, 1944 and born again as a follower of Jesus Christ in September 2015.

Billy is survived by his son Tracy Yates and his daughter-in-law Sheri Yates and grandchildren Spencer, Chandler and Kennedi of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by his Sister Patsy Tomera of Carlin, Nevada and his sister Wanda Yates of Boise, Idaho. He is survived by his friends and brother-in-laws David Harden of Tyler, Texas and Ron Allen of Oklahoma City as well as many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father Jack Yates, mother Susie Odell Simpson, his sisters Joyce Harden and Bobbie Allen as well as his grandparents Ollie and Everett Yates and Suda and Joe Simpson.

Billy's mother moved the family to Oklahoma City when he was a young man. Billy, in an epic move reflecting what would become a lifetime of independence, ran away from home soon thereafter and returned to Lane, Oklahoma to live with his father and grandparents. He graduated from Atoka High School in 1962. After high school Billyserved our country through the Oklahoma National Guard, married and became a father to his son Tracy Lynn. Later he becamea lineman for electrical companies and traveled extensively throughout the United States as well as a tour in Saudi Arabia. Billy was known for his skills of calf-roping, bird-hunting and became a skilled farrier. He loved horses almost as much as he loved dancing. After his travels, he always returned home to Lane to spend time with his family and friends. He worked hard and played even harder.

An accident led to a severe head injury on a job in southern California in 1979. A co-worker held Billy's head wrapped and together until he could reach medical care. Billy was not expected to live through the night. Although short on speech and slow in step, he surprised everyone when through a miracle from God he returned to Lane to live on his own once again. You could spot Billy driving the streets and highways in his bright brown and orange four-wheel drive Ford pickup or his black stingray Corvette visiting friends. He was glad to see everyone and was quick to help a friend in need. We will miss his constant laughter and a few of his choice words like "Oh baby baby" (a lady's man until his last breath), "Golly" (usually when he could not believe how long it had been since he had seen one of his friends) and "Money, money, money" (always a quote after he thought something was too expensive – which was just about everything). "Golly Billy", we will see you soon and celebrate your love and friendship today.

A funeral is scheduled for Friday June 30, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Lane, OK as 10:00 AM, with a reception to follow. Tracy Yates will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Billy's life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his name to the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma at 2932 NW 122nd Suite D, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 or give online at www.cfok.fcsuite.com or to the Atoka County Library online at http://www.southernoklibrarysystem.org/support-the-library.