Leon Yates, Sr, 89, went to be with the Lord Jesus on April 30th, 2024, at Lakeland Regional Hospital from complications of congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by his loving family, pastor and wife and assistant pastor Keith DeRouen and wife. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, May 6th, 2024, 1:00 PM at Grace Pointe Pentecostal Church, 8250 U.S. 98 North, Lakeland, FL. With Pastor Kelly McGuire officiating.

Leon was born February 5th, 1935, in Plant City Florida to Alexander Leon Yates and Willie Marie Griffin Yates. His family loved to hear his childhood stories, he enjoyed life to the fullest and always saw the positive in everything. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. As he grew older, Alex took him fishing alongside grandsons Tyler and Kadin. His favorite place was out under our big oak tree sitting in his yard chair.

He served in the ARMY from July 30th, 1958, to July 29th, 1960.

Leon excelled in the life insurance business and was district manager in Florida and in Texas. He married Frances L. Handley on September 4th, 1972. He and Frances enjoyed over 51 years of marriage, sharing a special love, realizing it was God who brought them together. They raised two daughters, Sheila Yates and Lisa Yates Lamon, and two sons Leon Yates, JR, and Noah Alexander (Alex) Yates. He was very proud of his children and they and his grandchildren love him sincerely.

Leon and family spent every summer of vacation at Siesta Key. They fished and camped together. He is survived by his wife, Frances, sons Leon Jr, Alex (Rhonda) and daughter Lisa (Don) and grandchildren, Kayla Yates Spears (Taylor), Tyler Yates (Preslie), Mackenzie Yates, Ella Yates, Kadin Yates, Sheila Pride, April Pride Sharp (Erick), and Josh Pride and ten great grandchildren and nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruha Hilda Holloway Yates and daughter Sheila Yates. He was also preceded in death by nine siblings: Brothers, Wildern, Julian, Bud, Robert, Earl, and Donald. Also, sisters, Louise, Argie, Ruth, and parents Alexander and Marie Yates.

Leon loved God and was praying and singing praises a short while before he left this world for his heavenly, eternal abode. His family and friends will miss him more than words can say.