Inside Clemson

William Pierce “Bill” Yates, retiree – January 11, 2023

William Pierce “Bill” Yates, Sr., 79, of Clemson, passed away January 11, 2023.

Bill was born on January 19, 1943, in Sumter, SC. His parents were Robert Vernon “Skeet” Yates, Sr. and Inez Wells Yates.

Bill graduated from Clemson University in 1967 and started to work for Clemson Extension Service as an assistant County Agent. After a year in Chesterfield County, Uncle Sam called, and Bill went to Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He served about a year of active duty and then served as a reserve officer for a total of 20 years. He retired as a Commander in The US Navy Reserve. After his active Navy service, he returned to the Clemson Extension Service and graduate school. He retired from Clemson after 33 years. Yates also served in the Emeritus College for seven years.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 17, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at Occasions at Wedgefield, 1551 18 Mile Road, Central. His full obituary can be found here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the OMH Foundation, Hospice, In Memory of William P. Yates, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672 or donate by credit card by calling (864) 885-7912. Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.