William L Yates, Jr.

William Lewis Yates Jr., better known as Billy, left peacefully in his sleep on August 25th, 2025, at the youthful age of 59. He was welcomed into the world on February 14th, 1966, with open arms by his parents, Frances G. Alleyne (Yates) and William Yates Sr., and is now happily reunited with them in heaven, along with his older brother, Clarence Kenneth Bartlett III.

While he always looked like he stepped out of a GQ magazine, he felt that in his younger years he had gone through an awkward phase and, like many, was picked on until he went off to military school and later joined the Air Force, serving a total of five years. There, he gained many friends and became a whole new man. When he stepped back on the block, he was no longer that awkward boy. He was the man all of us knew and love, with the stature of a Greek God but the kindness of a gentle soul.

He had many hobbies, but there was something about cars that just made him tick, in the best way. He was a car guy till the end. Cars were more than a hobby to him; they were a language he spoke fluently, a passion that reflected his drive and spirit.

He lived life to the fullest. He was a creative, dedicated, and hardworking man filled with love to give. He leaves behind his three beloved children: Cedric, his oldest son; Dominique, his only daughter; and Jeremiah, his youngest son. He also loved and cherished many others whom he took under his wing.

Though he is gone, his life will live on through the generations: his grandchildren, Jayden, Parrish, Isabel, and soon-to-come Cairo, children of Cedric; and Kaleb, son of Dominique.

William will be missed by so many. His smile, laughter, and kindness will forever be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

Services will be held at Restoration Temple, 1101 W. Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18102, on Saturday, September 6th, at 1 p.m.

Soon after the service, his daughter will honor his memory by bringing his ashes to an Air Force base in Florida, where he will take his final flight and be released to the stars and the skies. From that moment on, every time you look up, he will be looking back at you.

Though his time with us was far too short, his love and memory will live on forever in our hearts.

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