Johnnie “Jay” Legier Yates II, 57 of Monroe, Georgia and formerly of Waynetown, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, after a 2 1/2-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
He was born April 26, 1965, at Crawfordsville, to Johnnie (John) Legier Yates I and Verla (Taylor) Snelling. He married Debbie Yarbrough on Dec 27, 2008. She survives.
Jay graduated from Fountain Central High School where he was a proud member of the Mustang marching band. He worked in communications. In 2018, Jay fulfilled his dream of becoming an author with the publishing of his book, Disco Driver. Jay was a talented musician and played the drums. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church where he served as their drummer.
Jay enjoyed entertaining people, spending time with his dachshunds, Elvis and Hope. Jay had a joke for every occasion and his stories always had a perfect punchline. He loved making people laugh out loud and seeing them smile. But most of all, he cherished time spent with his family.
Jay is survived by daughter Jessica Yates, Atlanta, and son Johnnie Yates, Jacksonville, Florida.
Jay was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Jennifer Owen Yates. Jay and Jennifer wed on March 2 ,1991, at Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Surviving, along with his wife, Debbie, and his children are step-daughter Mandy (Zack) Williams, Monroe; mother Verla Snelling, Crawfordsville; three sisters, Tammy Anders, Easley, South Carolina, Tina Payne and Tracy (Jim) Haslam, Crawfordsville; brother-in-law Dave (Michelle) Yarbrough, Monroe; mother-in-law and father-in-law Helen and
Carl Yarbrough, Monroe; grandson Wyatt; six nieces; two nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.
Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Jennifer Yates; father John Yates; and brothers-in-law, Steve Payne and Craig Mitchem.
His service was held Nov. 19 at Bible Baptist Church, 1180 Old Madison Hwy, Monroe, GA.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bible Baptist Church Building Fund (address above).
Online condolences can be made by visiting www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com.
