Billy Joe Yates

Billy Joe Yates, 65, of Fountain Hill, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Drew County. Mr. Yates was a lifelong resident of Fountain Hill and attended Fountain Hill High School. He was a Christian and attended the Fountain Hill Methodist Church. Mr. Yates worked as a Diesel Mechanic locally and with several large construction companies in various states. Before he retired in 2020, he never left a job site without loading up a little dog or two to go with him. He was a very simple man and enjoyed being outside. Most days, you would see him at Handi Corner having lunch, sharing the local news, and gossip tidbits. He loved his dog, going out to eat, and spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Florence Hobbs Yates; his brother, Carl “Ricky” Eastwood, who died one week ago, and two sisters, Nancy Wilcox and JoAnn Quarles.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Loretta Holland Yates of Fountain Hill; a daughter, Krystle Brooks and husband, Aaron, of Beekman, Louisiana; two sons, Terry Holland and wife, Dottie, of Hamburg and David Holland and wife, Natalie, of Gardner, Kansas; three sisters, Glennis Holland and husband, Davis, of Hamburg, Bonnie Tumlison and husband, Harry Joe, of Crossett and Joyce Smith and husband, Jerry, of Monticello; three brothers, Butch Yates, Joe Fred Yates and wife, Cindy, all of Hamburg and James Yates of Little Rock; eight grandchildren, Alayna, David, Gabby, Krysta, Lily, Cohen, JOrdan and Greg and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are 2 p.m., Sunday, October 1, 2023, in the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Boyd Savage and Bro. David Holland officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Longest, Kenny Hartley, Joe Chaney, Skip Maxwell, and Bobby Ray Miller. Per his wishes, Mr. Yates will be cremated after the funeral services. Memorials may be made to Roxy’s Rainbow Rescue, 400 W. Radford Street, Hamburg, AR  71646. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg, Arkansas. Online guestbook, www.jones-hartshorn.com

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

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