Michael Yates

Michael Robert Yates, affectionately known as “Pawpaw” and “Pops” passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at the age of 82.

Michael was born on February 5, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, to Marcus and Leoma Yates. He attended South Oak Cliff High School from 1961 to 1963 and spent his life building, creating, and working with his hands. A proud Texan through and through, Michael embodied the values of hard work, honesty, and always having time for a good conversation.

Michael began his career as a draftsman before moving his wife and children to Alaska, where he worked as a pipe welder on the construction of the Alaska Pipeline in the mid-1970s. He later founded Skylimited Welding and eventually moved to Dallas, where he became the owner of Precision Tile and Trim around 1989. He took great pride in his work and in the life he built through determination, skill, and perseverance.

In 1994, he married Rhonda Yates, and together they built a life rooted in family, adventure, and the simple joys of everyday living. Though life took him to different places, a part of Michael always belonged to the Texas Hill Country, where he grew up and first developed his love for the outdoors.

Michael loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and spending time with family and friends playing dominoes and card games, especially 42. He enjoyed tending his garden, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and other vegetables, and spent many peaceful hours sitting on his back porch watching and caring for the birds. He loved country music and westerns and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone he met. Those who knew him will remember his firm handshake, his hardworking nature, and the way he seemed to make friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Yates; his children, Tammy Wardle, James Yates, James Coulter, and Benjamin Roberts; his brother, Marcus Yates, and sister-in-law, Kay Yates; his grandchildren, Micah Meyers, Colton Wardle, Cole Watson, Michaela Watson, Kyle Coulter, Emily Yates, Sophia Coulter, Devin Roberts, Benjamin Roberts, Macie Roberts, Mason Roberts, Jessie Coulter, JoJo Coulter, and John Roberts; his great-grandchildren, Nataleigh Yates and Kieran Meyers; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus Yates and Leoma Yates.

Michael’s legacy lives on in stories shared around card tables and domino games, in gardens and campgrounds, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.