Ronald (Ronnie) W. Yates, Sr., of Summit, MS, went to his eternal resting place on February 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at his home.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 12:00 - 2:00 at JJ White Memorial Presbyterian Church in McComb, MS, with services immediately following. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Summit, MS.

Ronnie was born August 19, 1947 in Pascagoula, MS. He was the only child of Margarette Byrd and Weldon H. Yates. He was raised in Baton Rouge, LA, and was a 1965 graduate of Istrouma High School. He later continued his education and was a graduate of Delgado University in New Orleans.

He served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam Conflict and was wounded in February of 1968, receiving a Purple Heart. He spent a year in rehab, then returned home and married Beverly LeBlanc. They then moved to New Orleans for more rehab.

In 1977 they moved to Summit, MS where they opened a hobby and craft store in McComb which specialized in Radio Control cars, planes, boats and model trains. Ronnie always enjoyed his "TOYS" and shared his love of them with anyone interested. He always had the newest "game" or "gadget" to play.

Ronnie was also a skilled carpenter, painter and mechanic. He restored cars, remodeled kitchens or painted and built anything his mind could think of. He was a "jack of all trades" and completed most home repairs, maintenance and remodeling himself.

He never let his handicap hinder his ability to accomplish his goals. There was always a way to achieve what he wanted. He was a great inspiration to all who knew him, and if you knew him you also loved him. He was affectionately known as "Daddy Ron".

Ronnie liked people and his home was always a gathering place. He always had a ready smile and a friendly word for all he met. He was extremely intelligent and could discuss any topic anyone cared to bring up. Many people depended on his advice on multiple subjects.

He also loved to fish and kept his freezer full. Ronnie was a member of JJ White Memorial Presbyterian Church of McComb MS. He was an Elder in the church and served on the Communion Committee, the MICA Committee and the Session and Congregational Care Committee. He and his wife Beverly were in charge of the Fall Fest for the children at church for many years. He also served on the North Pike Band Committee and was a Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America. He worked at his son Ron's shop "RNR Audio" for many years.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Beverly, son Ron Jr. and wife Robin Yates, daughter Brandi and husband Leslie Davis, grandchildren Colten and Meiryellen Yates, Elizabeth and Maxence Toureche, and Spencer and Lindsey Davis, and extended family member Ricky and Beverly Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Tony Mancuso, Matt McGuffie, Corey Wicker, Chris Wicker, Glen Sanders, and Charlie McCarty. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bryant Moak and Don Ford.

Please join the family in celebrating the life of this wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by many.