of Purvis, MS
April 24, 1953 - March 19, 2021
Thomas "Tommy" Yates, 67, of Purvis, MS, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021. He was born April 24, 1953 in Dyess, AR to George and Ethel Yates. He is survived by his wife: Connie Yates; sister: Sue Austin of Pleasant Garden, North Carolina; brother-in-law: Carl Terry of Osceola; sister-in-law: Doris Yates; nieces: Carla Williams, Lauren (Bill) Palmer, Sandy Moffat, Kaityn Williams, Rease Williams, Kathy Porter, Brittney (Jeff) Hicks, Barbie Cooksey, Penny Tubbs; nephews: Jimmy (Amy) Austin, and Ricky (Annie) Austin. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Earnest Yates and Marvin Yates. Under current guidelines, masks will be required to attend all services.
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12 Condolence(s)
Constance Yates
Monday, April 5, 2021
Yes, the trip to California was very special...His cousin, Thomas, took him for a tour of the FBI headquarters. He actually had the opportunity to meet J. Edgar Hoover (FBI Director) and shake hands with him. He had photos, but unfortunately the camera melted going through the dessert....
Terry Wheeler
Friday, March 26, 2021
I worked with Tommy at Tyler Refrigeration for many years. He always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. RIP my friend.
Patsy Lee Tucker
Friday, March 26, 2021
Prayers for the family. I was also from Dyess and remember all the great times of Tommy playing his guitar
Paul Richmond
Thursday, March 25, 2021
There are never enough words to describe a lifetime of friendship. My family and Yates have worked, played, and gone to school together for as long as there have been Yates and Richmond in Dyess. From Donald my oldest brother and Earnest, to Shirley Sue and my sister and cousins, to Marvin and Ted, to Tom and me.
I cannot begin to name all the things we have shared over the years. From Mr. Yates fixing our old lawn mowers, to Mrs. Mathews first grade, to Mr. Mathews agri. Class, Mrs. Allen’s history class to Mrs. Nutt’s English class. We rabbit hunted with Rusty, played music with Clyde and John, played Jr. high basketball with Randy, Richey, Scott Denny, and others, made our way to Overton Square with Steven and Danny, Tom along with a lot of us pulled our tour of work at Crompton.
I will miss our phone calls to discuss fishing, the Hogs and how high is the water in Dyess the spring. My family’s thoughts and prayers go with the Yates and Austin families always.
Jeff Mather
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My Prayers go out to Tommy’s family and his many friends. I worked with Tommy for many years at Tyler’s in the paint shop. He taught me the tricks of doing the job right and had the patience when I was making mistakes. Tommy could always make everyone laugh and I never remember him getting mad at anyone. Heaven gained an Angel and we lost a wonderful Man. Rest In Peace my Friend and I cannot wait till we meet again.
Rickey Hart
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I remember Tommy sitting in front of the blue eagle in his Gran Torino making up songs and playing guitar. (he never let me drive that car)
Good memories of Tommy.
Prayers for the family.
Sandra Casey (Moffat)
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My Uncle Tom was one of a kind. We had several vacations together as kids; one year we went to California on vacation, when Uncle Tom went back to school that year everyone, he was so excited and his friends told him you did not go to California you chopped cotton like the rest of us. Tom was more like my big brother than an Uncle. He also, got me in so much trouble, because my father Earnest was his brother and Tom knew that he wouldn't get in trouble with his brother. Tom always had a story. I remember when he started seeing Connie, he was so happy and always wanted to talk privately (that was before cordless phones and cell phones), I use to aggravate him on the daily. I Love you Tom - I will miss you.
Vick (Vicky) Horton
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
We had some wonderful times growing up in Dyess, Arkansas. We were inseparable as kids and teens always sharing our everyday lives. Playing, practicing our music and even chopping cotton on the uncles farm. In our later years we went our separate ways and unfortunately lost touch eachother. I can truly say my life has been honestly blessed for having you as my very best friend. I pray God comforts you and the family. I look forward to the day we can sit together and play our guitars. I have missed you these past years and our private jokes.. "Hey do you live around here or ride a bicycle . . . No I bring my lunch" Only you and I knew our laughter and fun. Give everyone up there a big hug for me, tell them "one day one day". Keep your strings tuned and one day we can sit and play together once again. I will forever be you friend.
God Bless
Connie my phone number is
cell(870) 214- 9567 ,
home (870)269-7092
I would love to hear from you.
Vick (Vicky) Horton
Christie Carmichiel
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
So sorry to hear of Tommy passed away. I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rickey foster
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Prayers for the family
Phil Cox
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
So sorry to hear about Tommy. He was such a good guy growing up in Dyess.
Nell Allen
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
All my love and sympathy