James W. "Bill" Yates, age 82, of Ellettsville, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 1, 2013 with his wife Paula at his side. Bill was born February 8, 1931 in Clarksville, TN to J.W. and Ida (Clark) Yates. He married Paula R. Smith on October 25, 1997.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and a crane operator for R.H. Marlin for over 41 years. Bill was a jokester who loved riding his Harley, and tending his yard. He was a member of American Legion Post # 355 and he adored his dog, Dolly.

Bill is survived by his wife, sons, Joe Yates, Jimmy (Tabitha) Yates, both of Indianapolis; step-sons, Harold (Susan) Aldridge of Martinsville and Timothy Gregory of Camby; daughter, Irene (Dan) Emery of Indianapolis; brother, Mickey Yates of Costa Rica and sister, Betty (Ed) Walters of Clarksville, TN; ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, and one son, Donald Yates.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood, with burial to follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.