Stanley W. (Bill) Yates

STANLEY W. (BILL) YATES, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 28, 2012. He was born on Jan. 31, 1922, in Clyde, Ark. to the late Stanley Winfield Yates and Annie Merriwether Yates. He attended the University of Arkansas, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, was stationed in England with the 100 Bomb Group and flew 35 missions as a bombardier aboard a B17. He was awarded two bronze stars for his service. He, J.C. Mitchell, John Duckett and Elvin Phelps founded Mitchell Machinery Company in 1963. Bill became President in 1976 upon the death of J.C. Mitchell. He served as President of AED and as an associate member of AGC. Bill was a deacon at First Presbyterian Church, was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. He also served as a member of the board at Presbyterian Village. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Melba DuVall Yates, his son Stan Yates and his special friend Lola Selph, his daughter, Lea Ann Reeves and her husband Jim, grandsons, Drew and Brian Reeves. He is also survived by his Nieces, Elaine Glover and Linda Allen, and nephew David Benton. Bill was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sarah Louise Yates, his sisters, Louise Brewster and Marie Benton and his nephew, Lowell Brewster. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 11 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church with Rev. Karen Aiken officiating. Burial services will be private at Forest Hills Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank, Dr. Paul Zelnick and caregivers, Cherrie Fox and Latonia Bowie, and Arkansas Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.