Willie Lee Yates, Jr.

Mr. Willie Lee Yates, Jr., of Ford, Virginia, affectionately known as “Choo Choo”, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Bon Secours – Southside Medical Center Petersburg, Virginia.

Willie was born on February 28, 1975 in New York to the late Willie Lee Yates, Sr., and Gertrude Davis Yates.

He was educated in the Dinwiddie County School Public School System. He attended Little Bethel Baptist Church Stony Creek VA. Willie was a master painter until his health declined.

Willie married the love of his life, the late Paulette Davis of Ford, Virginia. He devoted all of his time to his kids and grandchildren, especially his “stinky poo”.

‘Choo Choo” was preceded in death by grandparents, John Rollen and Edna Mae Key-Yates; maternal grandparents, Henry and Minerva Davis; and mother-in-law, Rosa Davis.

To love and cherish his loving and precious memories are his two sons, Deonte Booth and Malika Yates; dedicated daughter, Dyemon Yates; three brothers, (devoted) Dexter Yates, Sr. (Leslie), James Ridley, Jr.(Angie) and Kyle Ridley(Tasha; two sisters, Vennett Birt Davis (Theresa) and Cherisse Eldridge (Sam); two grandchildren, Kalani and Cameron; devoted sister-in-law, Charlene Davis; devoted aunt; uncles; grandmother-in-law, Willie Anna Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends- including devoted friends, Kevin, Altro,Sr., Christopher, Robert, Alonzo and Reginald.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment - Petersburg, Va.

Drive in Celebration of Life Service for Willie Lee Yates, Sr., will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment – Petersburg, Va. with Rev. Linda Skipper, Officiating.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at the residence of his sister, Vennett Birt Davis (Theresa), 20924 Hampton Ave. S. Chesterfield, VA 24540 at 12:45am on the day of the service.

Masks are required at all visitations and services and attendance may be limited. Attendees are also asked to adhere to all social distancing guidelines.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg VA (Dinwiddie County), Rev. Jeffrey L, Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, (804)732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/livestream  “Our Family Servicing Your Family"