Clintwood, VA- Billy Ray Yates, age 69 of Delaney Lane, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in Norton. Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of the late Harding and Lola Edwards Yates. He was a member of the Haysi High School state basketball team winning championship in1962 and a 1964 Haysi High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Air Force, was last employed as a maintenance worker and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Alicia Hill, sisters, Manthalee Wallace and Janice Ruth Yates and a brother, Donald Glen Yates.
Bill leaves behind to mourn his passing many friends and family. Among them his wife, Mary Yates of Clintwood, three daughters, Ursula (Johnny) Smith, Samantha Yates and Chancis Yates all of Clintwood, three sisters, Margaret Ann Sutherland of Lynchburg, Paige (Mark) Slone of Robinson Creek, KY and Jewell Askins of Clintwood, 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at Haysi Funeral Home with Glen Sykes and Jerry Vitatoe officiating. Burial will follow in Yates Cemetery, Clintwood, VA. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Clintwood VFW Post #8979 will conduct military graveside rites. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at the funeral home with a song service at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral.com Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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