William "Bill" Thomas Yeates
July 25, 1960 - January 23, 2018
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Obituary For William "Bill" Thomas Yeates
William T. (Bill) Yeates, 57, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Bill was born July 25, 1960, in Shreveport, LA. He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin C. Yeates, Jr., who died before Bill was born, his mother, Barbara T. Yeates Thames, and his stepfather, Earl G. Thames. He is survived by his loving wife, Laura, son Austin, and twin daughters, Summer and Jessie, all of Raleigh; his brothers, Ed Yeates of Yellville, AR, and Glenn Thames of Tyler, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Bill grew up in Natchitoches, LA. A real life Tom Sawyer, Bill spent his childhood exploring the waters and woods surrounding the oldest settlement in the entire Louisiana Purchase territory. From a very early age, Bill loved being in and on the water. As a youngster, Bill was a champion swimmer who set multiple AAU records, and when he wasn’t swimming, he was fishing, water skiing, and hunting for antique bottles along the banks of the Cane River.
An excellent student, Bill graduated from Louisiana Tech University with bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Finance as well as an MBA. Thereafter, Bill enjoyed a successful career in business, traveling the globe and holding executive positions with several companies. Most notably, Bill served as President and CEO of Power-One, a publicly traded power electronics company that enjoyed great success under Bill’s leadership, at one point becoming a member of the S&P 500. However, Bill’s true loves were family, friends, and fishing. A devoted husband and father, Bill loved spending time with Laura and his children, of whom he was incredibly proud, and with whom he shared many adventures. Indeed, for Bill, all of life was an adventure. Brilliant, funny, and completely fearless, Bill had a knack for making indelible memories. While he has left this world on yet another adventure, he has left behind a long list of best friends with a boatload of stories to share.
In celebration of Bill’s life, his family will greet friends and relatives at Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh NC 27615, Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Potter Minton, Trustee of the Yeates education fund, 110 N. College, Suite 500, Tyler, TX 75702, or Transitions Lifecare of Raleigh, to whom the family expresses its sincere gratitude.
Services
A Gathering of Friends and Family
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
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Condolences
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September 01, 2020
Just learned an hour ago that Bill passed away 7 months ago. Worked with Bill at AT&T/Lucent Power Systems. First met him when he came to Bell Labs Whippany, NJ for meetings with customers. Tall smart, intelligent and energetic with a can do mindset. Always admired him. Thought and prayers to his family.
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September 01, 2020
Our deepest condolaences. Worked with Bill at Power-One on the introduction of a complicated digital integrated power system.
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September 01, 2020
Laura, Austin, Jessie and Summer, My heart :heart:aches for you. Know you are in my thoughts and my prayers are with you. I didnt know Bill but he has an amazing family and that is a testament to him. Hugs, Joan Crain
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September 01, 2020
We will miss Bills laugh, hugs and dancing! Laura and kids, you are in out thoughts everyday.
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September 01, 2020
Laura, Austin, Summer and Jessie. We are beyond sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories you have to cherish. Our prayers have been with all of you and will continue. We are just down the road and yours for whatever you may need. Stephanie, Neal, Keaton and Berkeley Sumner
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September 01, 2020
Recall many happy times with Bill and family at the beach and neighborhood events. All comfort and blessings to the family, friends and relations.
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September 01, 2020
"God grant That I may live to fish until my dying day, And when my final cast is made And life has slipped away, I pray that God's great landing net Will catch me in its sweep And in His mercy, God will judge me Big enough to keep." Bill, Smooth Waters and Blue Skies. "Fish on"
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September 01, 2020
Dear Laura and Family We are so sorry for your loss. Bill will be missed .In the short time we got to know him he made a lasting impression on us. He always made us laugh and feel welcome .Here are a few old photos of the first Christmas in Hong Kong . Alan and Stephanie Rider Greenville SC
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September 01, 2020
Dear Laura, Austin, Summer and Jessie, We are heartbroken over Bil's passing. Bill was an awesome person: smart, fun, talented in many ways and optimistic. He had great vision for what the future holds. We have many great memories of working and playing with Bill but one that comes to mind involves scuba diving and Cozumel. In large part due to Bill's enthusiasm for scuba diving, Kaivon and I decided to get certified. Our first trip after our certification was to Cozumel with Bill and others. On the first day out, our boat driver asked "where to?". Bill immediately said Punta Sur. Punta Sur was the deepest most advanced dive in Cozumel at the time. I said "uh no, we are beginners". Bill said that we would be fine but agreed to wait until day 3 of the trip. Bill was indeed fearless and expected everyone else to be also. And, he was right,; we were fine! Punta Sur was a great dive. One day on the trip, we rented mopeds and drove around the island. I'm trying to load a photo but I'm not sure it's going to work. It was one of many special times with Bill. Bill will be greatly missed. His passing leaves a large hole on the planet and in our hearts. We are praying for each of you during this difficult time. Karen and Kaivon Mortazavi
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September 01, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy. Please find comfort in knowing that God is aware when we are dealing with suffering. (Zechariah 2:8) He will help us to stay strong despite tribulations. Also, there will be a time when death will be eliminated forever and our loved ones will be brought back to life. It will be a great time to know that loved ones, like Bill, will return to life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of William "Bill" Thomas Yeates
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September 01, 2020
Our deepest condolences. Worked with Bill during his stint in Asia with Lucent Technologies
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September 01, 2020
Enjoyed working with Bill. Taken too soon. Was a contributor in life. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. From all of us at Survival Systems.
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September 01, 2020
1 file added to the tribute wall
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September 01, 2020
Laura, Austin, Summer and Jessie, There are no words that are adequate to express my profound sorrow to learn of Bill's passing. He was a vibrant and caring friend. My late husband and I had the absolute joy of working and playing with Bill and Laura in Asia and we felt we were always on an adventure. He loved good music, good fun, good people and good business.. I have known Bill since our days in Shreveport Louisiana, and they were all good memories. I wish there were words I could say to heal the hurt, but you have precious memories and the knowledge that you were the true center of Bill's life. With Deepest Sympathy Betty Johnson Hicks
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September 01, 2020
Laura and family Please accept our heartfelt condolences for this untimely departure of Bill's soul. May his soul rest in peace and may God give you all strength to deal with this loss. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years at AT&T/Lucent in Dallas including when he was based in Hong Kong. Lots of memories of Bill with our kids - at several dinner evenings at our home in Bangalore. A gentlemen with high integrity, high energy, work hard/play hard spirit, and always full of life. Learned a lot from him. He will be missed. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. Arun and Sangeeta Pasrija Houston, TX
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September 01, 2020
Laura and Family, I am very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. At Sensus, he was a breath of fresh air, and I was fortunate to have worked closely with him. I also enjoyed the time we spent outside the office. The attached photos were taken in Sun Valley, Idaho on the tail end of a business trip in 2009. Bill was fun to be around and full of life, and that is how I will remember him. My condolences to you all. Kevin Kraus
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September 01, 2020
Dear Laura and Austin, Please know that I am thinking and praying for you. Austin, you are a wonderful student and young man. Great parenting plays a major role in who you are. Our parents live on in us in what we do, say and achieve. We follow the path in life and we are ever so grateful of all the nurturing, support and love that is given to us. Your Dad's legacy will be seen in you. Be proud. Sincerely, Lynn Wallace
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of William "Bill" Thomas Yeates
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September 01, 2020
Jay and I are so sad to hear about Bills passing. Our sincere condolences Laura to you and your children and the entire family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Jay and Sandra Walters Austin, Texas Sandrasmithwalters@gmail.com
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