Glenn Gary Yates, 78, of Magee, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on April 27, 2026. 

Born on March 13, 1948, Glenn was a lifelong resident of Magee and a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. Known affectionately as “Fats” to his football and military buddies, he carried a warmth and spirit that made people feel at home wherever he was. Glenn proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he built a long and dedicated career with Willmut Gas, where he worked his way from a field worker into management in the Magee office. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and quiet leadership. More than anything, Glenn was a man of deep and abiding faith. A lifelong member of Siloam Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, his love for Jesus Christ guided every part of his life. His faith was not just something he professed, it was something he lived daily, in kindness, humility, and genuine care for others. If you knew Glenn, you knew you would be greeted with a warm hug, or fist bump, and a sincere smile. In his prayers, he often asked that we would “always love and support each other,” a simple but powerful reflection of how he lived his life. 

Family was the cornerstone of Glenn’s life. One of eight boys born to Winford and Zelma Yates, he was proud to be part of the “Yates Boys.” Growing up in a large family taught him the value of hard work, loyalty, and looking out for one another. These lessons stayed with him throughout his life. He loved his family deeply - his brothers, his children, his grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews, to whom he lovingly gave nicknames that often stuck for life. Glenn married the love of his life, Donna Leach Yates, in 1970. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion and love until her passing in 2005. He carried that love with him always. He found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He enjoyed woodworking and spent many years building and creating things that he generously gave to others. He loved being outdoors, especially fishing. If the weather was right, he was going to make his way to a pond somewhere. If you passed by his house anytime in the morning or late afternoon, you were likely to see him sitting on his porch. Since his daughter Lorie moved to Magee a couple of years ago, he has spent almost every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on her porch, visiting, chatting and drinking coffee together.

 A talented athlete in his younger years, Glenn played football for Magee High School and Copiah-Lincoln Community College. His love for the game never left him, and he took great pride in watching his son, Jason, play at Co-Lin and continue that connection to football as an SEC official. He was especially proud to watch Jason on TV and debrief the good - and bad - calls by the officials. Though Glenn will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his faith is now made sight and that he is home with his Savior. His legacy of faith, love, hard work, and kindness will live on in all who knew him. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Siloam Baptist Church in Magee. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Siloam Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Carey Bass and Bro. Jim Taylor will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031.

Survivors include his daughter, Lorie Yates Newell (Cliff); son, Jason Yates, (Joy); grandchildren; Ian Woodrey, Caroline Yates, Annabelle Yates, and Grace Newell; brothers, James Yates (Phyllis), Vondell Yates, Debo Yates (Cindy), Carol Yates, Ronnie Yates (Judy), and Mark Yates (Jane); and a host of nieces and nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Leach Yates, parents, Winford B Yates and Zelma Little Yates; brother, Burford Yates; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Yates, Bonnie Wallace Yates, and Connie Yates.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com