Troy Yates, 82, of Akron, Ohio entered into God’s kingdom on July 19, 2023. Troy, one of 16 children, was born September 26, 1940, to Emma and Dan Yates. Troy Yates accepted Christ at an early age and was an active church participant at St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. In his life he demonstrated Christian values on a daily basis. He loved his family and friends and helped anyone who was in need.

Troy graduated from Spring Hill High School in Montgomery County, MS. Following High School, he spent a short period of time working for the Lyons Corporation in Grenada, MS. Troy was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country at a young age. After his time in the service, he moved to Akron, OH with his first wife, Lula Hunter-Yates and their family where he developed his civilian career with the Chrysler Automotive Corporation and served as an employee for over 30 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, and traveling both nationally and internationally on a regular basis. Troy found love later in life and married Dorothy Bentley and they also traveled and enjoyed a loving life. He enjoyed home-cooked meals and enjoyed his weekly “Fish-Frys”. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “PaPa”. He truly loved spending time with his family. In the community, Troy created the Akron Fisherman’s Club where they traveled and enjoyed fishing throughout the country.

Troy Yates was the most loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Dan Yates; his first wife, Lula Hunter-Yates; and several loving siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bentley-Yates; his daughter, Patricia Brown-Yates; his sons, André Yates-Bills, Lee Troy Yates, Sr., and Glen Yates-Lott; stepchildren Casondra (Cameron) Black and Thomas Bentley, Jr.; four sisters: Lula Mae Pryor, Sammie Yates, Emma Yates-Hill, and Doris Yates-Brown; Troy’s grandchildren including Cherise Yates, Dallas Yates-Brown, Detroit Yates-Brown, Lodie Bills-Colson, Christie Lott, Alana Bills, Lee Troy Yates, Jr., and Andrae Bills; and step-grandchildren Cameron (Kierra) Black II, Curtis (Madisan) Black, and Alyssa Bentley; Troy also leaves 11 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.