Bill was born October 16, 1935 in Waurika, Oklahoma. He was one of four children born to Walter Henry Yearley and Helen O’Dell (Brantley) Yearley. Bill grew up in Waurika and graduated from Waurika High School in 1953. He then attended Oklahoma A&M briefly before joining the U.S. Navy in 1956. Bill proudly served his country for six years and was stationed on two different ships during his time in the Navy, the USS Suribachi and the USS Interpreter. After he was honorably discharged he returned to the OKC area and began working for Western Electric, which was later bought out by AT&T. He worked as an Electrical and Mechanical Technician until he retired in the late 1980’s. On December 21, 1967, Bill married the love of his life, Geraldine McClure Draper. Together they raised two children, Johnny and Kathy. They moved to Newcastle in 1968 and soon became part of the community. Bill was one of the first volunteer firemen for the town of Newcastle in 1970. He was a longtime member of the Newcastle Lions Club and a longtime and faithful member of the Newcastle Heights Church of Christ. Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed gardening, working in his yard and doing things around the home. For many years he and Geraldine were members of a bowling league. He loved watching all kinds of sports, especially OSU football. In his later years he enjoyed visiting with friends at the coffee shop in Newcastle.

He was preceded in death by: Parents, Walter and Helen Yearley, Sister, Margaret Andrews and her husband Bill;

He is survived by: Wife, Geraldine Yearley of the home in Newcastle, Two children, Johnny Draper of Tom, OK, Kathy Draper of Foreman, Arkansas; One brother, Clarence Yearley and wife Joan of Mustang, OK, One sister, Mary Taylor of Henrietta, TX; Four grandchildren, Cari and Matt Corley of Broken Bow, OK, Amy and Michael Chaney of Pocasset, OK, Jamie Draper of OKC, Grant Draper of Seattle, Washington; Six great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October, 1, 2016 at Newcastle Heights Church of Christ. Interment will be at the Newcastle Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle. Send online condolences @wilsonlittle.com.