Winham Eugene “Bill” Yeager began his life’s journey in the small town of Childersburg, Alabama. Up until that time it had been a sprawling metropolis of 500 or so folks. A few years back they had discovered there was a deep vein of marble that could be mined. The US government was deeply mired in World War II. They would turn this sleepy little town into one of the main production sites for the munitions that would end the war. Bill was born there during all that transition on September 27, 1943. He was one of three children born to the late Curtis Eugene and Pauline Abbott Yeager. Bill would spend his formative years up the road in the big city of Cullman. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Mae Yeager Huebner.
Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Armed Forces Police until he was honorably discharged on November 29, 1972. He later attended and graduated from American University with a degree in Finance. He was offered a position at the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). It was while working at Fannie Mae that he was smitten by a young lady named Cindy Smith who also worked there. On May 26, 1979, they sealed the deal and became husband and wife. Their family grew with the addition of their daughter Brooke in 1980 and their son Paul in 1981.
Bill was a man of bedrock values, and they would shape the story of his life for all the days to come. Bill was an introspective guy, and you knew he served his God, but in his own quiet way. He loved his country and served it to the best of his ability. He was loyal to his church, Central Baptist, and participated in its programs as long as his health permitted.
Bill Yeager saw his most important opportunity in life was his desire to be the best son, father, husband, and sibling he could now be. He loved golf, snow skiing (he did not do much of that growing up in AL), travelling most anywhere, and music (think Vince Gill or Willie Nelson). It would be a significant slight not to include in this missive a word of Bill’s devotion to Alabama football. Most Alabama folks have it in their DNA to be loyal to the Big A or that other college down the road in Alabama.
Bill’s life was blessed by his children and grandchildren, Brooke (and Alex) Beck, Paul (and Brittany) Yeager, Maddie Beck, Richard Beck, Hampton Yeager, Hayes Yeager. Also surviving is his brother Ken (and Bev). There is a large extended family of nieces and nephews.
There will be a gathering of Bill’s family and many friends at Central Baptist Church Sanctuary to celebrate the life of this good man on August 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow that service in the church’s vestibule. At that point exaggerated stories about Alabama football and golf can be freely relayed.
The verse John 14:27 tells us this truth, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
So many have been faithful to Bill through his illness, and his family acknowledges Adoration Hospice and caregivers Kesha, Electra, and Carla for their compassionate care during these final days. Those who may want to memorialize Bill’s life may consider a donation in his memory to his beloved Central Baptist Church at centralbaptistnewnan.org or The Alzheimer’s Association 225 North Michigan Avenue Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 (donorservices.alz.org).
Please express your condolences online at www.mckoon.com.
McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580.
